Infection Control Today Magazine

Respirators

Study Finds Inadequate Mask Use Among Healthcare Workers Early in 2009 H1N1 Outbreak

Inadequate use of masks or respirators put healthcare workers at risk of 2009 H1N1 infection during the earliest stages of the 2009 pandemic in the U.S., according to a study published in the December issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. The study, led by ...More
November 30, 2011
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
New Pandemic Flu and PPE Report is Released

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) announce the release of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, "Preventing Transmission of Pandemic Influenza and other Viral Respiratory ...More
January 28, 2011
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
NIOSH to Hold Public Meeting to Discuss Respirator Standards

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) will conduct a public meeting to discuss current respirator standards development projects, including the NIOSH Regulatory Agenda for ...More
November 30, 2010
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
Hong Kong Hospital Reports Possible Airborne Influenza Transmission

Direct contact and droplets are the primary ways influenza spreads. Under certain conditions, however, aerosol transmission is possible. In a study published in the current issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, available online, the authors examined such an outbreak in ...More
November 22, 2010
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
Prestige Ameritech Unveils U.S.-Made N95 Respirator as Flu Season Begins

Prestige Ameritech has received NIOSH and FDA approval to market its new N95 Particulate Filter Respirator and Surgical Mask in time for the 2010 flu season. The new respirator will be sold by Owens & Minor and other distributors. Prestige Ameritech was recently awarded ...More
November 9, 2010
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
3M Launches New Respirators with Unique, Flexible Fit

3M introduces the new 3M™ VFlex™ Particulate Respirators 9105 and 9105S, N95. The new VFlex respirators have been designed to deliver comfort and value at an affordable price, and build on 3M’s decades of experience in the science of respiratory protection. "As a leader in ...More
September 28, 2010
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
Fit-Testing Programs Challenged by Operational Issues

Researchers from the University of Adelaide and the Communicable Disease Control Branch of the Department of Health in South Australia say that while the medical literature supports the need for practical training in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), ...More
August 24, 2010
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
Facial Characteristics, Tester Experience Affect Respirator Fit-Testing Success, Study Shows

Researchers from Australia reporting on a large ‐ scale quantitative respirator fit-testing program conducted in acute-care hospitals and in ambulatory surgery centers, and in home nursing care, found that certain facial characteristics were associated with higher or lower ...More
August 24, 2010
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
Facilities, Respirator Manufacturers Can Work Together to Ease the Burden of Fit-Testing

By Richard B. JaffeDespite the fact that respirators are worn by more than 5 million U.S. workers at more than 1.3 million worksites across the county, mandatory face-fit testing remains an enigma; an enormous challenge faced on a regular basis by already over-burdened ...More
July 16, 2010
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions