N95 respirator reuse, decontamination methods, and microbial burden: A randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness and ease of N95 respirator decontamination methods in a clinic setting and to identify the extent of microbial colonization on respirators associated with reuse.

Methods

In a prospective fashion, N95 respirators (n = 15) were randomized to a decontamination process (time, dry heat, or ultraviolet C light [UVC]) in outpatient clinics. Each respirator was re-used up to 5 separate clinic sessions. Swabs on each respirator for SARS-CoV-2, bacteria, and fungi were obtained before clinic, after clinic and post-treatment. Mask integrity was checked after each treatment (n = 68). Statistical analyses were performed to determine factors for positive samples.

Results

All three decontamination processes reduced bacteria counts similarly. On

SUBMITTER: Jiang ZY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8403130 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep-Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature