biostudies-literatureUnknown113Green SUniversity of BirminghamKing&apos;s College LondonEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council<h4>Background</h4>Public Health England guidance stipulates the use of filtering facepiece (FFP3) masks for healthcare workers engaged in aerosol-generating procedures. Mask fit-testing of respiratory protective equipment is essential to protect healthcare workers from aerosolized particles.<h4>Aim</h4>To analyse the outcome of mask fit-testing across National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in the UK during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.<h4>Methods</h4>Using the Freedom of Information Act, 137 NHS hospitals were approached on May 26^th, 2020 by an independent researcher to provide data on the outcome of fit-testing at each site.<h4>Findings</h4>Ninety-six hospitals responded to the request between May 26^th, 2020 to October 29<sup>tThe Journal of hospital infection180-186https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8087583biostudies-literatureFit-testing of respiratory protective equipment in the UK during the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic.PMC8087583Brown OGani AGreen SBailey MHing CBfalseFit-testing of respiratory protective equipment in the UK during the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic.<h4>Background</h4>Public Health England guidance stipulates the use of filtering facepiece (FFP3) masks for healthcare workers engaged in aerosol-generating procedures. Mask fit-testing of respiratory protective equipment is essential to protect healthcare workers from aerosolized particles.<h4>Aim</h4>To analyse the outcome of mask fit-testing across National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in the UK during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.<h4>Methods</h4>Using the Freedom of Information Act, 137 NHS hospitals were approached on May 26^th, 2020 by an independent researcher to provide data on the outcome of fit-testing at each site.<h4>Findings</h4>Ninety-six hospitals responded to the request between May 26^th, 2020 to October 29<sup>t2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 Jul2025-04-19T17:46:00.394Z2022-02-11T15:48:59.269ZS-EPMC80875833394008910.1016/j.jhin.2021.04.024