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Updated: Oct 4, 2025
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Published on: June 21, 2022
Effective disinfecting of protective devices used in the course of treating SARS-CoV2-positive patients
Moarie Grace Tan1, Tang Gui Feng2, Lim Teck Liang2
1Operating Theatre Services, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore.
Background:
Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) was widely used in Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Ensuring a sustained supply of clean and reusable PAPR masks for frontline medical team is an immediate challenge. The Central Sterile Supplies Unit (CSSU) adopts existing disinfection methods and technology for the reprocessing of reusable personal protective equipment (PPE) such as PAPR masks and goggles.
Objective:
To determine an effective disinfecting method for protective devices used in the course of treating SARS-CoV2-positive patients.
Method:
A comparison on surface disinfection and modified thermal disinfection outcome was conducted on 30 PAPR masks through detecting the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by swab following both disinfecting methods.
Results:
The modified thermal cycles emerged as the recommended disinfection method.
Discussion:
The outcome of this study has enhanced understanding on the risk imposed on frontline healthcare personnel who perform surface disinfecting on masks for reuse during the work shift. Leveraging on the current expertise from existing instrument logistics, CSSU takes charge of the processing and stock management of SKH's PAPR masks. An additional workflow is needed to establish reprocessing methods for other reusable PPEs such as face shields or overalls.
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