Assessment of systemic hemodynamic changes in medical workers of PCR laboratories when using personal protective equipment

Abstract

In the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical diagnostic laboratories conducting a test for the presence of coronavirus using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in most cases, work with significant overload. Performing professional duties in these conditions imposes special requirements on medical personnel. First of all, this concerns the parameters of systemic hemodynamics as an objective criterion of health risk.
 The study aims to analyze the state of systemic hemodynamics in medical workers of PCR laboratories when working in the conditions of the COVID–19 pandemic when using personal protective equipment against a biological factor.
 The researchers have conducted the study in the winter period of the year in PCR laboratories for the diagnosis of a new coronavirus infection. The observation group included 33 people aged 32.5±1.44 years and 1–33 months of experience in the PCR laboratory. We have evaluated the key parameters of systemic hemodynamics, heart rate variability and the degree of oxygen saturation in the blood of laboratory staff. The authors have carried out measurements at the beginning and end of the work shift.
 There was a significant increase in heart rate (by 3.7%), minute heart volume (by 5.2%), myocardial oxygen consumption (by 5.6%) at the end of the work shift compared with its beginning. The values of these parameters of systemic hemodynamics remained within the normal range. At the same time, the increase in the values of these indicators indicates a significant strain on self-regulatory mechanisms and the development of fatigue.
 When using personal protective equipment against a biological factor, the tension of the systemic mechanisms of hemodynamic self-regulation in medical workers of PCR laboratories increases. The degree of severity of the tension of these mechanisms significantly depends on the features of the functional state of the cardiovascular system and vegetative status. At the same time, it is necessary to provide a physiological and hygienic justification for the duration of the periods of work of medical workers of PCR laboratories when using various types of personal protective equipment against a biological factor, which justifies the relevance of further research.
 Limitations. The results of this study were obtained on a relatively small sample. Therefore, in order to increase its representativeness, it is necessary to increase the number of participants, which will allow leveling the existing restrictions.
 Ethics. The study was conducted in compliance with the ethical standards set out in the Helsinki Declaration of 1975 with additions of 2008. The study participants signed a form of "Informed Voluntary consent to conduct a study", developed in accordance with the requirements of the local ethics committee of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of the Volga State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.