Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2025
06:57
Determining Viral Disinfection Efficacy of Hot Water Laundering
Published on: June 21, 2022
2.5K
Disinfection of Respirators with Ultraviolet Radiation
Dianne L Poster1, Matthew Hardwick2, C Cameron Miller1
1National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
Summary
Ultraviolet-C irradiation effectively inactivates OC43 coronavirus on N95 respirators. This study confirms N95 face filtering respirator (FFR) material integrity and function after UV-C disinfection, supporting safe reuse strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
- Public Health
Background:
- N95 face filtering respirators (FFRs) are critical personal protective equipment.
- Disinfection and reuse strategies for N95 FFRs are essential for managing shortages during public health crises.
- Understanding the impact of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on N95 FFRs is crucial for developing effective disinfection protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of UV-C irradiation for inactivating OC43 coronavirus on N95 FFRs.
- To assess the material integrity, form, fit, and function of N95 FFRs after UV-C exposure.
- To provide data supporting the disinfection and reuse of N95 FFRs using a commercial UV-C enclosure.
Main Methods:
- Viral inactivation was determined using OC43 betacoronavirus inoculated on N95 FFRs.
- Material integrity was assessed via high-resolution scanning electron microscopy.
- Form, fit, and function were evaluated through flow resistance, tensile strength, and particle filtration measurements. Filter efficiency and strap tensile stress were also measured.
Main Results:
- UV-C irradiation demonstrated effective inactivation of OC43 coronavirus on N95 FFRs.
- Metrological examinations revealed no discernible physical differences between irradiated and non-irradiated N95 FFR materials.
- Material integrity, filter efficiency, and mechanical properties were maintained post-irradiation.
Conclusions:
- UV-C irradiation in a commercial enclosure is an effective method for disinfecting N95 FFRs.
- The integrity and functionality of N95 FFRs are preserved after UV-C treatment, supporting safe reuse.
- These findings support the development of UV-based strategies for N95 FFR disinfection and reuse.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods
6.2K
In healthcare, the chemical method of sterilization uses chemical sterilants to treat surgical instruments and medical supplies to help prevent the transmission of infectious pathogens to patients. Due to heat sensitivity, most medical supplies and equipment should not be exposed to high temperatures. These parts include rubber, plastic, glass, and other similar elements.
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
6.2K
01:30Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
6.6K
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...
6.6K
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
1.2K
Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
1.2K
01:29Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods
19.6K
As used in a healthcare facility, sterilization destroys all microorganisms through physical or chemical methods. The physical method includes steam, dry heat, boiling water, and radiation.
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
19.6K
01:16Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
388
Oxygen therapy is a pivotal aspect of medical care, particularly for patients with respiratory ailments. Two prominent oxygen-delivering systems include the Venturi mask and the transtracheal oxygen catheter.
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
388
01:10PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing
887
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.
887