Journal article
N95 respirator reuse, decontamination methods, and microbial burden: A randomized controlled trial
American journal of otolaryngology, v 42(5), 103017
01 Sep 2021
PMID: 33857782
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and ease of N95 respirator decontamination methods in a clinic setting and to identify the extent of microbial colonization on respirators associated with reuse. Methods: In a prospective fashion, N95 respirators (n = 15) were randomized to a decontamination process (time, dry heat, or ultraviolet C light [UVC]) in outpatient clinics. Each respirator was re-used up to 5 separate clinic sessions. Swabs on each respirator for SARS-CoV-2, bacteria, and fungi were obtained before clinic, after clinic and post-treatment. Mask integrity was checked after each treatment (n = 68). Statistical analyses were performed to determine factors for positive samples. Results: All three decontamination processes reduced bacteria counts similarly. On multivariate mixed model analysis, there were an additional 8.1 colonies of bacteria (95% CI 5.7 to 10.5; p < 0.01) on the inside compared to the outside surface of the respirators. Treatment resulted in a decrease of bacterial load by 8.6 colonies (95% CI-11.6 to-5.5; p < 0.01). Although no decontamination treatment affected the respirator filtration efficiency, heat treatments were associated with the breakdown of thermoplastic elastomer straps. Contamination with fungal and SARS-CoV-2 viral particles were minimal to non-existent. Conclusions: Time, heat and UVC all reduced bacterial load on reused N95 respirators. Fungal contamination was minimal. Heat could permanently damage some elastic straps making the respirators nonfunctional. Given its effectiveness against microbes, lack of damage to re-treated respirators and logistical ease, UVC represents an optimal decontamination method for individual N95 respirators when reuse is necessary.
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Details
- Title
- N95 respirator reuse, decontamination methods, and microbial burden: A randomized controlled trial
- Creators
- Zi Yang Jiang - College Station Medical CenterZhen Huang - College Station Medical CenterIsaac Schmale - University of RochesterEric L. Brown - The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonMichael C. Lorenz - The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonScott J. Patlovich - The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonKaran Goswami - Rothman OrthopaedicsHannah B. Wilson - The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonJumah Ahmad - College Station Medical CenterRonda Alexander - College Station Medical CenterWilliam Bryan - The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonLuke Burke - College Station Medical CenterMartin J. Citardi - College Station Medical CenterJose Elias - College Station Medical CenterTang Ho - College Station Medical CenterJack Jacob - The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonGarren Low - College Station Medical CenterPedro Miramon - The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonAniruddha U. Patki - College Station Medical CenterWilliam C. Yao - College Station Medical CenterAmber U. Luong - College Station Medical Center
- Publication Details
- American journal of otolaryngology, v 42(5), 103017
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 7
- Grant note
- R01AI143304 / NIH; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Otolaryngology (and Head and Neck Surgery)
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000692196400048
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85104063588
- Other Identifier
- 991022008192304721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Otorhinolaryngology