Winter, Susan; Thomas, Jane H; Stephens, Dianne P; Davis, Joshua S

Author(s)

Winter, Susan

Thomas, Jane H

Stephens, Dianne P

Davis, Joshua S

Publication Date

2010-03

Abstract

To determine the proportion of hospital staff who pass fit tests with each of three commonly used particulate face masks, and factors influencing preference and fit test results. Observational study. 50 healthy hospital staff volunteers in an 18-bed general intensive care unit in an Australian teaching hospital. Participants were administered a questionnaire about mask use and their preferred mask and underwent qualitative fit-testing with each of three different particulate masks: Kimberly-Clark Tecnol FluidShield N95 particulate filter respirator (KC), 3M Flat Fold 9320 particulate respirator and 3M 8822 particulate respirator with exhalation valve. Participants who failed fittesting were trained in correct mask donning, and fittesting was repeated. Proportion of participants who passed the fit test for each mask and the effect of training. The proportion of participants who passed a fit test was low for all three masks tested (KC, 16%; flat fold, 28%; and valved, 34%). Rates improved after training: the first mask tested fitted in 18% of participants pre-training and 40% post-training (P = 0.02). None of the masks fitted for 28% of participants. There were no significant predictors of fit-test results. A large proportion of individuals failed a fit test with any given mask, and we were not able to identify any factors that predicted mask fit in individuals. Training on mask use improved the rates of adequate fit. Hospitals should carry a range of P2 masks, and should conduct systematic P2 mask training and fit-testing programs for all staff potentially exposed to airborne pathogens.

Affiliation

Intensive Care Department, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, USA. Susan.Winter@nt.gov.au.

Citation

Critical care and resuscitation : journal of the Australasian Academy of Critical Care Medicine 2010-03; 12(1): 24-7

ISSN

1441-2772

Pubmed ID

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20196710/?otool=iaurydwlib

Link

https://hdl.handle.net/10137/5720

MESH subject

Adult

Air Microbiology

Cross Infection

Female

Hospitals, Teaching

Humans

Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional

Inhalation Exposure

Male

Masks

Middle Aged

Occupational Exposure

Particulate Matter

Respiratory Protective Devices

Title

Particulate face masks for protection against airborne pathogens - one size does not fit all: an observational study.

Type of document

Evaluation Study

Journal Article

Entity Type

Publication

Author(s)	Winter, Susan Thomas, Jane H Stephens, Dianne P Davis, Joshua S
Publication Date	2010-03
Abstract	To determine the proportion of hospital staff who pass fit tests with each of three commonly used particulate face masks, and factors influencing preference and fit test results. Observational study. 50 healthy hospital staff volunteers in an 18-bed general intensive care unit in an Australian teaching hospital. Participants were administered a questionnaire about mask use and their preferred mask and underwent qualitative fit-testing with each of three different particulate masks: Kimberly-Clark Tecnol FluidShield N95 particulate filter respirator (KC), 3M Flat Fold 9320 particulate respirator and 3M 8822 particulate respirator with exhalation valve. Participants who failed fittesting were trained in correct mask donning, and fittesting was repeated. Proportion of participants who passed the fit test for each mask and the effect of training. The proportion of participants who passed a fit test was low for all three masks tested (KC, 16%; flat fold, 28%; and valved, 34%). Rates improved after training: the first mask tested fitted in 18% of participants pre-training and 40% post-training (P = 0.02). None of the masks fitted for 28% of participants. There were no significant predictors of fit-test results. A large proportion of individuals failed a fit test with any given mask, and we were not able to identify any factors that predicted mask fit in individuals. Training on mask use improved the rates of adequate fit. Hospitals should carry a range of P2 masks, and should conduct systematic P2 mask training and fit-testing programs for all staff potentially exposed to airborne pathogens.
Affiliation	Intensive Care Department, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, USA. Susan.Winter@nt.gov.au.
Citation	Critical care and resuscitation : journal of the Australasian Academy of Critical Care Medicine 2010-03; 12(1): 24-7
ISSN	1441-2772
Pubmed ID	https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20196710/?otool=iaurydwlib
Link	https://hdl.handle.net/10137/5720
MESH subject	Adult Air Microbiology Cross Infection Female Hospitals, Teaching Humans Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional Inhalation Exposure Male Masks Middle Aged Occupational Exposure Particulate Matter Respiratory Protective Devices
Title	Particulate face masks for protection against airborne pathogens - one size does not fit all: an observational study.
Type of document	Evaluation Study Journal Article
Entity Type	Publication

Particulate face masks for protection against airborne pathogens - one size does not fit all: an observational study.

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