Effect of various decontamination procedures on disposable N95 mask integrity and SARS-CoV-2 infectivity

Publication Title

Journal of Clinical and Translational Science

Authors

Jeffrey Smith, Providence Portland Medical Center – Portland, ORFollow
Haley Hanseler
John Welle, Regional Pathology, Providence St. Joseph Health, Portland, Oregon, USAFollow
Rogan Rattray, Providence St. Joseph HealthFollow
Mary Campbell, Providence St. Joseph HealthFollow
Tacy Brotherton, Cancer Research Animal Division, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USAFollow
Tarsem Moudgil, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer InstituteFollow
Thomas F. Pack
Keith W Wegman, Laboratory of Molecular and Tumor Immunology, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, OR, USAFollow
Shawn M. Jensen, Laboratory of Molecular and Tumor Immunology, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Center and Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, OregonFollow
Justin Jin, Providence Portland Medical Center – Portland, ORFollow
Carlo Bifulco, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, ORFollow
Scott A. Prahl
Bernard A Fox, Chiles Research Institute Providence Portland Medical CenterFollow
Nicholas L Stucky, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Providence Health and Services, Portland, OR, USA.Follow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-11-2020

Keywords

2019-nCoV

Abstract

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a high demand on personal protective equipment, including disposable N95 masks. Given the need for mask reuse, we tested the feasibility of vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP), ultraviolet light (UV), and ethanol decontamination strategies on N95 mask integrity and the ability to remove the infectious potential of SARS-CoV-2. Methods:

Disposable N95 masks, including medical grade (1860, 1870+) and industrial grade (8511) masks, were treated by VHP, UV, and ethanol decontamination. Mask degradation was tested using a quantitative respirator fit testing. Pooled clinical samples of SARS-CoV-2 were applied to mask samples, treated, and then either sent immediately for real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or incubated with Vero E6 cells to assess for virucidal effect. Results:

Both ethanol and UV decontamination showed functional degradation to different degrees while VHP treatment showed no significant change after two treatments. We also report a single SARS-CoV-2 virucidal experiment using Vero E6 cell infection in which only ethanol treatment eliminated detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Conclusions:

We hope our data will guide further research for evidenced-based decisions for disposable N95 mask reuse and help protect caregivers from SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens.

Specialty/Research Institute

Earle A. Chiles Research Institute

Specialty/Research Institute

Infectious Diseases

Comments

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/cts.2020.494