N95 mask reuse in a major urban hospital: COVID-19 response process and procedure.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The shortage of single-use N95 respirator masks (NRMs) during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has prompted consideration of NRM recycling to extend limited stocks by healthcare providers and facilities.

Aim

To assess potential reuse via autoclaving of NRMs worn daily in a major urban Canadian hospital.

Methods

NRM reusability was assessed following collection from volunteer staff after 2-8 h use, sterilization by autoclaving and PortaCount fit testing. A workflow was developed for reprocessing hundreds of NRMs daily.

Findings

Used NRMs passed fit testing after autoclaving once, with 86% passing a second reuse/autoclave cycle. A separate cohort of used masks pre-warmed before autoclaving passed fit testing. To

SUBMITTER: Czubryt MP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7837009 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature