Fit testing of N95 or P2 masks to protect health care workers

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has many similarities to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). While reported morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 are lower than from SARS and MERS, many health care workers have been infected (up to 15% of health care workers in Victoria).

Citation:
Regli A, von Ungern-Sternberg BS. Fit testing of N95 or P2 masks to protect health care workers. Med J Aust. 2020;213(7):293-5 e1.

Keywords:
covid-19; Infectious diseases; Intensive care; Protective devices; Quality assurance; health care; Respiratory tract infections; Virus diseases

Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has many similarities to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). While reported morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 are lower than from SARS and MERS, many health care workers have been infected (up to 15% of health care workers in Victoria). During the 2003 SARS epidemic, nosocomial infection despite adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) was reported particularly in health care workers who were involved in aerosol-generating procedures. The use of non-fit tested particulate respirators (N95 or P2 masks) alongside incorrect donning and doffing of PPE has been stated as a possible cause of infection. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased awareness and demand for fit testing of N95 or P2 masks in Australian hospitals.