Novel Manufacturing of Simple Masks in Response to International Shortages: Bacterial and Particulate Filtration Efficiency Testing.

Publication Title

American journal of infection control

Authors

Jennifer Bayersdorfer, Chief Quality Officer, Clinical Care Division, Providence, Renton, WA, US.Follow
Sue Giboney, Executive Director, Patient Experience, Clinical Care Division, Providence, Portland, OR, US.Follow
Rosemary Martin, Program Manager, System Infection Prevention, Clinical Care Division, Providence, Renton, WA, US.Follow
Andria Moore, Nursing Practice & Quality Program Manager, Clinical Care Division, Providence, Renton, WA, US.Follow
Rebecca Bartles, Providence St Joseph Health System, Renton, WA.Follow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-15-2020

Keywords

2019-nCoV

Abstract

Many healthcare systems have been forced to outsource simple mask production due to international shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Providence created simple masks using surgical wrap and submitted samples to an environmental lab for bacterial filtration efficiency testing. Bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) rates ranged from 83.0 - 98.1% depending on specific material and ply, and particular filtration efficiency (PFE) rates ranged from 92.3-97.7%. Based on mask configuration, specific surgical wrap selected, and ply, the recommended filtration efficiency for isolation and surgical masks of 95% and 98%, respectively can be achieved. These alternative masks can allow for similar coverage and safety when hospital-grade isolation masks are in short supply.

Specialty/Research Institute

Infectious Diseases

Specialty/Research Institute

Quality

Specialty/Research Institute

Health Care Administration