The mask packaging is clearly labelled with the level of protection according to the ASTM International Standard
Wearing a face mask that does not have a fluid-resistance rating may leave one inadequately protected whilst performing procedures that generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions.
Concentration of viruses circulated in the blood can reach up to 10,000 viruses/ ml for HIV, 1 million/ ml for Hepatitis C, and up to 10 trillion/ ml for Hepatitis B?1 What is particularly worrisome is that a clinical trial confirms that these potentially contaminated blood drops strike the head and neck of operating theatre staff more than 25 per cent of the time during surgery2.
Further, a clinical study confirms that more than 90 per cent of the time, surgeons, who are focused on their patients, are unaware that they have been struck by contaminated fluids3. This fact alone underscores the importance of surgeons having access to the right mask to protect themselves.
How can one be sure about getting the protection one needs?
To make it easier to select the right level of mask protection, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developed mask labelling based on test performance criteria. Within the ASTM International Standard, there are three categories of protection, with Level 1 representing the lowest level of protection and Level 3 representing the highest level. For fluid resistance, masks are required to withstand a pressure of 80 mmHg in order to meet the Level 1 criteria, 120 mmHg to meet the Level 2 criteria and 160 mmHg to achieve a Level 3 rating.
The ASTM International Standard requires that face mask packaging has a graphic display that clearly states the mask’s performance level. Masks that do not have this graphic display cannot be assumed to be fluid-resistant.
Put safety first
Halyard Health (formerly Kimberly-Clark Health Care) makes it easy to put safety first. Halyard has a full range of fluid-resistant procedure and surgical masks that meet and in some cases exceed the ASTM International Standard. All Halyard’s mask packaging are clearly labelled with the level of protection (Level 1, 2 or 3) according to the ASTM International Standard. This simplifies the process of mask selection and will help make sure that one is appropriately protected for the fluid risk that may be present.
References:
1. Bennet BT 1994 American College of Surgeons 178 (2): 49
2. AORN 2011 Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices; Romney Surgical face masks in the operating theatre: re-examining the evidence 2000; 254
3. Hosogly, Salih et al. Transmission of hepatitis C by blood splash into conjunctiva in a nurse 2003;503
About Halyard Health
Halyard Health is a global medical technology company focused on preventing infection, eliminating pain and speeding recovery. Formerly known as Kimberly-Clark Health Care, Halyard became an independent company on November 1, 2014. Halyard has 12,000+ employees globally and market products in more than 100 countries worldwide.
Halyard’s solutions are designed to address some of today’s most important healthcare needs, such as preventing infection and reducing the use of narcotics, while helping patients recover faster. Halyard is focussed on improving lives with its diverse portfolio
of surgical and infection prevention products as well as pain management, digestive and respiratory health medical devices.
Halyard offers innovative healthcare solutions supported by dedicated customer support, clinical research and accredited education programmes in the following clinical areas:
- Infection prevention
- Surgical solutions
- Respiratory health
- Digestive health
- Pain management
Contact Details:
Halyard Health India
World Trade Centre, Tower 1,
Unit 308, Opp. Eon IT Park,
Kharadi, Pune – 411014.
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