Novel manufacturing of simple masks in response to international shortages: Bacterial and particulate filtration efficiency testing

•Simple isolation masks were created using surgical wrap.•When tested, masks demonstrated filtration efficiency similar to ASTM 1 masks.•Masks can be rapidly manufactured using these specifications in the event of another shortage. Many healthcare systems have been forced to outsource simple mask pr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of infection control 2020-12, Vol.48 (12), p.1543-1545
Main Authors: Bayersdorfer, Jennifer, Giboney, Sue, Martin, Rosemary, Moore, Andria, Bartles, Rebecca
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air Microbiology
Bacteria - isolation & purification
Bacterial filtration efficiency
Brief Report
COVID-19 - prevention & control
Equipment Design
Equipment Safety - statistics & numerical data
Filtration - instrumentation
Homemade masks
Humans
Isolation masks
Mask shortages
Masks - microbiology
Masks - supply & distribution
Materials Testing
Pandemic
Particulate Matter - isolation & purification
PPE
Respiratory Protective Devices - microbiology
Respiratory Protective Devices - supply & distribution
SARS-CoV-2
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Summary:•Simple isolation masks were created using surgical wrap.•When tested, masks demonstrated filtration efficiency similar to ASTM 1 masks.•Masks can be rapidly manufactured using these specifications in the event of another shortage. 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 rates ranged from 83.0% to 98.1% depending on specific material and ply, and particular filtration efficiency rates ranged from 92.3% to 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.
ISSN:0196-6553
1527-3296
DOI:10.1016/j.ajic.2020.07.019