Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 15, 2025
06:57
Determining Viral Disinfection Efficacy of Hot Water Laundering
Published on: June 21, 2022
2.8K
Filtering Facepiece Respirator (N95 Respirator) Reprocessing: A Systematic Review
Max A Schumm1, Joseph E Hadaya1, Nisha Mody2
1Department of Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California.
JAMA
|March 3, 2021
Summary
Reprocessing filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) like N95s is crucial. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and vaporized hydrogen peroxide are effective sterilization methods that minimally damage N95 respirators.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare
- Infectious Disease Control
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic created a critical shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs).
- Hospitals require effective methods to reprocess FFRs, such as N95 respirators, to ensure adequate supply.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness and feasibility of various decontamination processes for N95 respirators.
- To compare different decontamination methods based on pathogen removal, filtration efficiency, facial fit, user safety, and processing capability.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search of PubMed and EMBASE was conducted up to January 31, 2021.
- Five decontamination processes were investigated: UV irradiation, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, moist-heat incubation, microwave-generated steam, and ethylene oxide.
- Data abstraction focused on process specifics, pathogen inactivation, and respirator integrity.
Main Results:
- Forty-two laboratory studies evaluated 65 types of N95 respirators. UV irradiation (1-2 J/cm2) and vaporized hydrogen peroxide showed high efficacy in pathogen removal without significant respirator degradation.
- Moist heat and microwave-generated steam also demonstrated effective pathogen reduction and maintained filtration performance, though some studies noted potential for respirator damage.
- Ethylene oxide preserved respirator components but raised concerns regarding carcinogenic by-products.
Conclusions:
- Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, moist heat, and microwave-generated steam are effective methods for sterilizing N95 respirators while retaining filtration performance.
- UV irradiation and vaporized hydrogen peroxide exhibited the least damage to respirator materials.
- Further research is necessary to fully understand decontamination effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2.
Related Concept Videos
01:10PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing
1.3K
The sequence of removing or doffing PPE starts with the gloves, as they are the most contaminated. Next is removal of the face shield or goggles, as they would interfere with removing other PPE. Then remove the gown, followed by the mask or respirator. Perform hand hygiene between steps if hands become contaminated and immediately after removing all PPE. Generally, the outside front and sleeves of the isolation gown, the goggles or the mask, the respirator, and the face shield are contaminated.
1.3K
01:22PPE Use in Healthcare Settings I: Donning
1.4K
Donning PPE must be completed before contact with the patient. This process protects from infectious agents. The sequence and action included in each donning are critical, and the steps must be systematic to avoid exposure to pathogens. The institutional policy also needs to be followed while donning PPE. The pre-donning preparations are gathering equipment, inspecting the PPE equipment for tears, holes, or damage, removing jewelry, removing any garments below the elbows, and tying the hair...
1.4K
01:26Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
733
Radiation and filtration are essential tools for microbial control, targeting microorganisms through distinct mechanisms. Radiation eliminates microbes by damaging their DNA, either killing them or inhibiting their growth. Based on wavelength, radiation is classified into two types: nonionizing and ionizing radiation.Non-ionizing radiation, such as UV radiation (200–400 nm), is absorbed by DNA, causing defects that effectively disinfect surfaces, air, and water, including safety cabinets.
733
01:30Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
9.2K
Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization are the methods that help to break the infection chain and prevent disease.
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
9.2K
00:53Filtration
2.4K
Filtration is a physical separation process that involves passing a suspension through a porous medium to separate solids from fluids. During filtration, solids collect on the porous medium while liquids, also collectively known as the filtrate, pass through. The filtration medium is selected based on the filtration purpose, quantity, and nature of the precipitate. The general criteria for a suitable filtering medium are that it is inert, mechanically strong, nonabsorbent toward dissolved...
2.4K
01:25Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
803
Tracheostomy care is an essential nursing skill that involves cleaning and maintaining a tracheostomy tube to prevent infection and other complications. Here's a step-by-step guide explaining each procedure with its rationale. Note that disposable gloves are to be worn at all times and changed as often as needed to maintain a sterile work environment, and to protect both patient and healthcare worker.
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask...
803