Implementing fit testing for N95 filtering facepiece respirators: practical information from a large cohort of hospital workers

Am J Infect Control. 2008 May;36(4):298-300. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2007.10.014.

Abstract

Qualitative fit testing for N95 respirators was conducted on 1271 health care workers. All male participants were fitted with a respirator. Six females, all under age 40 years, were not successfully fitted. The first-choice respirator provided a successful fit in 95.1% of the men and 85.4% of the women. Gender and age in women were significant factors associated with successful fitting. These differences should be considered when implementing a respiratory protection program.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Canada
  • Equipment Failure
  • Equipment Failure Analysis / methods*
  • Female
  • Guideline Adherence*
  • Hospitals, Community
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / standards
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure / prevention & control
  • Occupational Exposure / standards
  • Personnel, Hospital*
  • Respiratory Protective Devices / standards*