Filtration performance of three models of N95 filtering facepiece respirators following clinical usage and vaporized hydrogen peroxide decontamination. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cooper, J.; Csapó, A.; Ranasinghe, R.; Jeronimo, M.; Brockington-Tyhy, T.; Alawfi, S.; Wong, T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospital infection. Volume 131(2023)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 125
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Vaporized hydrogen peroxide -- N95 FFR -- Particulate filtration efficiency -- Decontamination -- Infection control -- Occupational health and safety; Cross infection -- Periodicals; Cross infection -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Infection Control -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.09.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6701

Abstract

Summary: Background: N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for protecting healthcare workers from airborne pathogens. Aim: To perform the first large-scale evaluation of particulate filtration efficiency (PFE) of three models of N95 FFRs following clinical usage and vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) decontamination. Methods: Three variables were assessed for effect on PFE following VHP decontamination: VHP sterilizer model, N95 respirator model, and prior N95 clinical usage. Findings: The VHP sterilizer model and N95 FFR model impacted PFE performance. Worn N95 FFRs had a 91% lower odds of exhibiting ≥95% PFE compared with the control. Conclusion: This work highlights the importance of validating any N95 FFR decontamination programme in its entirety, including prior clinical usage.