Effectiveness of N95 respirator decontamination and reuse against SARS-CoV-2 virus

Fischer, R. J. et al. (2020) Effectiveness of N95 respirator decontamination and reuse against SARS-CoV-2 virus. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 26(9), pp. 2253-2255. (doi: 10.3201/eid2609.201524) (PMID:32491983) (PMCID:PMC7454118)

Abstract

The coronavirus pandemic has created worldwide shortages of N95 respirators. We analyzed 4 decontamination methods for effectiveness in deactivating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus and effect on respirator function. Our results indicate that N95 respirators can be decontaminated and reused, but the integrity of respirator fit and seal must be maintained.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gamble, Dr Amandine
• Authors: Fischer, R. J., Morris, D. H., van Doremalen, N., Sarchette, S., Matson, M. J., Bushmaker, T., Yinda, C. K., Seifert, S. N., Gamble, A., Williamson, B. N., Judson, S. D., de Wit, E., Lloyd-Smith, J. O., and Munster, V. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• ISSN: 1080-6040
• ISSN (Online): 1080-6059
• Published Online: 03 June 2020
• Copyright Holders: Materials published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, including text, figures, tables, and photographs are in the public domain and can be reprinted or used without permission with proper citation.
• First Published: First published in Emerging Infectious Diseases 26(9): 2253-2255
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy