not provide complete protection from microbes and other
contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface
of the face mask and your face.
Surgical masks are not intended to be used more
than once. If a mask is damaged or soiled, or if breathing
through the mask becomes difficult, the face mask should
be removed, discarded safely, and replaced with a new one.
To safely discard a mask, place it in a plastic bag and put
it in the trash. Wash hands after handling the used mask.
N95 Respirators
An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device
designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient
filtration of airborne particles. The ‘N95’ designation means
that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks
at least 95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) test particles. If
properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators
exceed those of face masks. However, even a properly fitted
N95 respirator does not completely eliminate the risk of
illness or death.
Comparing Surgical Masks and Surgical N95 Respirators
The FDA regulates surgical masks and surgical N95
respirators differently based on their intended use.
The similarities among surgical masks and surgical N95s are:
● They are tested for fluid resistance, filtration efficiency
(particulate filtration efficiency and bacterial filtration
efficiency), flammability and biocompatibility.
● They should not be shared or reused.
N95 Respirators in Healthcare Settings
Most N95 respirators are manufactured for use in con-
struction and other industrial type jobs that expose workers
to dust and small particles; however, some N95 respirators
are intended for use in a healthcare setting. Specifically,
single-use, disposable respiratory protective devices used
and worn by healthcare personnel during procedures to
protect both the patient and healthcare personnel from
the transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate
material. These surgical N95 respirators are class II devices
regulated by the FDA, under 21 CFR 878.4040, and CDC
NIOSH under 42 CFR Part 84.
Source: FDA
The leading source of science based content
Nationally renowned firm founded by
Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC, FAPIC.
Offering expert infection control and prevention
services to healthcare facilities and organizations.
Services include:
•
•
•
•
Program development
Survey preparation
Corrective plans
Mock surveys
•
•
•
•
Risk assessments
Education and training
Onboarding/mentoring
Outbreak investigations
Schedule your consultation:
IMAGES WORTH SPREADING
(215) 692-3485
[email protected]
iccs-home.com
s c I E
i e N n C c E e P
p H
ho
om
SC
O t T o O . c . C
OM
www.healthcarehygienemagazine.com • may 2020
15