Internal medicine

Disease

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Economic growth

Infectious disease (medical specialty)

Gastroenterology

Mucocutaneous zone

Surgery

Dermatology

Health care

Economics

Endoscopy

Face shield

Face masks

Medicine

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

We read with great interest the original article “Risk of bacterial exposure to the endoscopist’s face during endoscopy” by Johnston et al1 in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. In this prospective study, the authors concluded that this is the first study to quantify the rate of unrecognized bacterial exposure to the endoscopist’s face to biologic samples, which may result in the transmission of infection. The study was conducted with a clear design about a relevant topic much needed to prevent infection related to endoscopy to the provider, assistants, and potentially to other patients.

Role of face mask in preventing bacterial exposure to the endoscopist’s face