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Institute of Medicine advises against reusing N-95 respirators

Hospital Safety Connection, May 2, 2006

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During an influenza pandemic, healthcare workers and patients ideally should not reuse disposable N-95 respirators after their initial use, according to a report issued on April 27 by the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

The basis for this recommendation stems from research that indicates there is currently no way to properly clean or disinfect the masks after each use.

Further, there are no simple modifications to N-95 respirators that would prevent the need for fit-testing if staff reused the masks, the report said.

However, the IOM also recognizes that in the event of flu outbreak, N-95 demands may exceed supplies, and reuse may become necessary. In such cases, the report suggests the following steps:

• Protect the respirator from surface contamination, perhaps by placing a face shield over it
• Use and store the respirator in a way that protects its physical integrity
• Practice hand hygiene when putting on and removing the respirator

You can read the full IOM report online or download a summary of it by clicking here.

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