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. 2018 Jul;46(7):e49-e55.
doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2018.02.018. Epub 2018 Apr 17.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation of influenza-contaminated N95 filtering facepiece respirators

Devin Mills  1 , Delbert A Harnish  2 , Caryn Lawrence  1 , Megan Sandoval-Powers  1 , Brian K Heimbuch  1
Affiliations

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation of influenza-contaminated N95 filtering facepiece respirators

Devin Mills et al. Am J Infect Control. 2018 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Safe and effective decontamination and reuse of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) has the potential to significantly extend FFR holdings, mitigating a potential shortage due to an influenza pandemic or other pandemic events. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) has been shown to be effective for decontaminating influenza-contaminated FFRs. This study aims to build on past research by evaluating the UVGI decontamination efficiency of influenza-contaminated FFRs in the presence of soiling agents using an optimized UVGI dose.

Methods: Twelve samples each of 15 N95 FFR models were contaminated with H1N1 influenza (facepiece and strap), then covered with a soiling agent-artificial saliva or artificial skin oil. For each soiling agent, 3 contaminated FFRs were treated with 1 J/cm2 UVGI for approximately 1 minute, whereas 3 other contaminated FFRs remained untreated. All contaminated surfaces were cut out and virus extracted. Viable influenza was quantified using a median tissue culture infectious dose assay.

Results: Significant reductions (≥3 log) in influenza viability for both soiling conditions were observed on facepieces from 12 of 15 FFR models and straps from 7 of 15 FFR models.

Conclusions: These data suggest that FFR decontamination and reuse using UVGI can be effective. Implementation of a UVGI method will require careful consideration of FFR model, material type, and design.

Keywords: Decontamination; Disinfection; Reuse; Soiling; UVGI; Ultraviolet.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation device. (A) Top view: a, ultraviolet light light bulb; b, heat exchanger; c, fan; d, hinged door; e, power supply; f, sliding mesh wire shelf; g, power switch; h, filtering facepiece respirator (example); i, radiometer; j, temperature/humidity probe; k, ethylene glycol supply line. (B) Side view.
Fig 2
Fig 2
Locations of influenza droplets applied to filtering facepiece respirators.
Fig 3
Fig 3
Viable virus recovered from mucin-soiled N95 respirators. Respirator manufacturers were 3M Company, Minneapolis, MN; Alpha Protech, Markham, Canada; Louis M. Gerson Co, Inc, Middleboro, MA; Halyard Health Inc., Alpharetta, GA; Moldex, Culver City, CA; Precept Medical Products, Inc, Arden, NC; Prestige Ameritech, North Richland Hills, TX; Honeywell Safety Products USA, Smithfield, RI; and Dentech Safety Specialists, Lenexa, KS.
Fig 4
Fig 4
Viable virus recovered from sebum-soiled N95 respirators. Respirator manufacturers were 3M Company, Minneapolis, MN; Alpha Protech, Markham, Canada; Louis M. Gerson Co, Inc, Middleboro, MA; Kimberley-Clark Corp, Irving, TX; Moldex, Culver City, CA; Precept Medical Products, Inc, Arden, NC; Prestige Ameritech, North Richland Hills, TX; Honeywell Safety Products USA, Smithfield, RI; and Dentech Safety Specialists, Lenexa, KS.
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