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Decontamination and Reuse of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators: Where Do We Stand?
Cassorla, Lydia.
  • Cassorla L; From the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, California.
Anesth Analg ; 132(1): 2-14, 2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2140282
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created an extraordinary demand for N95 and similarly rated filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) that remains unmet due to limited stock, production constraints, and logistics. Interest in decontamination and reuse of FFR, a product class designed for single use in health care settings, has undergone a parallel surge due to shortages. A worthwhile decontamination method must provide effective inactivation of the targeted pathogen(s), and preserve particle filtration, mask fit, and safety for a subsequent user. This discussion reviews the background of the current shortage, classification, structure, and functional aspects of FFR, and potentially effective decontamination methods along with reference websites for those seeking updated information and guidance. The most promising techniques utilize heat, hydrogen peroxide, microwave-generated steam, or ultraviolet light. Many require special or repurposed equipment and a detailed operational roadmap specific to each setting. While limited, research is growing. There is significant variation between models with regard to the ability to withstand decontamination yet remain protective. The number of times an individual respirator can be reused is often limited by its ability to maintain a tight fit after multiple uses rather than by the decontamination method itself. There is no single solution for all settings; each individual or institution must choose according to their need, capability, and available resources. As the current pandemic is expected to continue for months to years, and the possibility of future airborne biologic threats persists, the need for plentiful, effective respiratory protection is stimulating research and innovation.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Decontamination / Equipment Contamination / Occupational Exposure / Equipment Reuse / Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Inhalation Exposure / N95 Respirators / COVID-19 Type of study: Prognostic study Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Anesth Analg Year: 2021 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Decontamination / Equipment Contamination / Occupational Exposure / Equipment Reuse / Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Inhalation Exposure / N95 Respirators / COVID-19 Type of study: Prognostic study Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Anesth Analg Year: 2021 Document Type: Article