As infection preventionists we often see healthcare professionals incorrectly wearing procedure masks and N95 respirators.
They don’t realize that they are making mistakes and that these mistakes put them and others at risk for infection.
Laura Buford
APIC Communications Committee Chair

It also called an isolation mask. Disposable mask that protects the wearer from droplets that might be infectious.  Procedure masks are used to protect both patients and staff from the transfer of respiratory secretions, fluids or other debris. Procedure masks are used for generally “respiratory etiquette” to prevent clinicians, patients and visitors from spreading germs by talking, coughing, or sneezing. Procedure masks have ear loops for quick donning, and since they do not slide on the hair, they can be worn without a surgical cap.

Do's & Don'ts for Wearing Procedure Masks in Non-Surgical Healthcare Settings

Do

  1. Make sure to wear your mask to protect yourself from infectious droplets that may occur when patients cough, sneeze, laugh, or talk.
  2. Check to make sure the mask has no defects, such as a tear or torn strap or ear loop.
  3. Bring both top ties to the crown of head and secure with a bow; tie bottom ties securely at the nape of neck in a bow.
  4. Remove the mask when no longer in clinical space and the patient intervention is complete.
  5. For ear loop mask, remove the mask from the side with your head tilted forward. For tied masks, remove by handling only the ties, and untie the bottom tie followed by the top tie.
  6. Properly dispose of the mask by touching only the ear loops or the ties. Perform hand hygiene before and after removing a mask or any type of personal protective equipment such as your gloves and gown.

Don't

  1. DON’T use for protection against very small particles that float in the air (e.g., TB, measles, or chickenpox.) 
  2. DON’T wear it wet or soiled, get a new mask.
  3. DON’T crisscross ties.
  4. DON’T leave a mask hanging off one ear or hanging around neck.
  5. DON’T reuse, toss it after wearing once.
  6. DON’T touch the front of the mask, as it is contaminated after use.

Resources

Education materials for healthcare professionals from APIC’s Infection Prevention.

Available at: http://www.apic.org/Resource_/TinyMceFileManager/consumers_professionals/APIC_DosDontsofMasks_hiq.pdf

By : bob