Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an unprecedented strain on healthcare supplies. Currently there is a global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), especially N95 masks. In order to safeguard healthcare personnel in this critical time and to mitigate shortages of N95 respirators, reuse of N95 respirators has to be considered. Methods Using PubMed and Science Direct, a literature search was conducted to find and synthesize relevant literature on decontamination of N95 respirators for their subsequent reuse. Peer-reviewed publications related to methods of decontamination from January 2007 to April 2020 in the English language are included in this narrative review. Bibliographies of articles for relevant literature were also scrutinized. Findings. A total of 19 studies are included in this narrative review. The appraised methods include ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), moist heat incubation (MHI), ethylene oxide (EtO), hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV), microwave steam bags (MSB), microwave-generated steam (MGS), dry microwave oven irradiation, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (HPGP), dry heat, liquid hydrogen peroxide, and bleach and alcohol. Conclusion In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, reuse of N95 respirators, although suboptimal, can be considered. Evidence reveals that UVGI, MHI, and HPV are amongst the safest and efficacious methods for decontamination of N95 masks. More research is needed to establish the safety and effectiveness of MGS, MSB, dry heat, EtO, liquid hydrogen peroxide, and HPGP. Alcohol, microwave irradiation, and bleach are not recommended because they damage N95 respirators.
Highlights
Background e COVID19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus has created a shortage of protective equipment (PPE) globally
N95 respirators are designed for single use prior to disposal. ey must be discarded after performing aerosol generating procedures, when damaged, deformed, visibly dirty or when they stop forming an effective seal on the face [3]. e rationale for these recommendations may be due to the fact that respiratory viruses can remain viable on respirators for an extended period of time [4, 5]
A total of 19 studies are presented in the review classified by the method of decontamination. e appraised methods include ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), moist heat incubation (MHI), ethylene oxide (EtO), hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV), microwave steam bags (MSB), microwave-generated steam (MGS), dry microwave oven irradiation, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (HPGP), dry heat/hot air oven, liquid hydrogen peroxide, and bleach and alcohol
Summary
Background e COVID19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus has created a shortage of PPE globally. Keeping in view the nature of transmission of the virus and its contagiousness, the demand of N95 respirators has increased drastically. Nosocomial transmission of the virus has been reported, and substantial numbers of healthcare workers have been affected worldwide [1]. N95 respirators are designed for single use prior to disposal. E rationale for these recommendations may be due to the fact that respiratory viruses can remain viable on respirators for an extended period of time [4, 5]. Is was previously endorsed during pandemic situations with respiratory pathogens to mitigate shortage of respirators [7, 8]. Extended use of respirators may bring about physical discomfort to the healthcare workers, it is endurable without any additional health risks [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
