Experts Share Best Practices for PPE and Barrier Protection

02 March 2011

The following article was originally published in the Daily Infections Update e-newsletter by Infection Control Today. To read the full article and learn more about receiving this resource, visit www.infectioncontroltoday.com.

“Kathleen Stoessel, RN, BSN, MS: Operating room personnel rely on personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves and their patients against infectious agents. Surgical gowns and masks are essential PPE that must provide an effective barrier against the transfer of microorganisms, particulates, and fluids. When evaluating the barrier properties of these PPE, best practice should include obtaining data from the manufacturer to verify the protective qualities of the barrier fabric.

The effectiveness of barrier fabrics can be measured using standard test methods published by ASTM International. One test method, the Liquid Barrier Test (ASTM F1671), assesses the capability of a material to prevent passage of liquid-borne microorganisms. The standard is a pass/fail screening test designed using a challenge organism similar in size and shape to hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Materials that pass this test are considered to be highly protective against liquid and microbial penetration.

A second test method, the Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) test (ASTM F2101), evaluates the capability of a material to prevent passage of aerosolized bacteria using Staphylocccus aureus as a test organism. The BFE is calculated as a percentage of bacteria that do not pass through the tested material. A higher percent BFE indicates greater protection; materials with a BFE of 98 percent or higher are considered moderate to high barrier class, and materials with a BFE of 95 percent to 98 percent are considered low barrier class. The BFE test was designed specifically as a standard for medical face mask materials but does not evaluate materials for regulatory approval as respirators. Although not required, this test may be performed on barrier fabrics in other PPE.

Obtaining information on whether these two tests were performed and, if so, with what results, will enable the end user to better differentiate the barrier effectiveness of surgical gown and mask materials.

Kathleen Stoessel, RN, BSN, MS, is senior manager for clinical education for Kimberly-Clark Health Care.

References

ASTM International. Standard Specification for Performance of Materials Used in Medical Face Masks. Designation: F2100 - 07. West Conshohocken, Pa.: ASTM International; 2007.”