Disinfection of N95 masks artificially contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 and ESKAPE bacteria using hydrogen peroxide plasma: Impact on the reutilization of disposable devices - 26/08/20
Highlights |
• | Hydrogen peroxide plasma could be a disinfection alternative of N95 masks. |
• | Disinfection of N95 masks with SARS-CoV-2 and ESKAPE bacteria. |
• | SARS-CoV-2 was not detected after disinfection of N95 masks. |
• | ESKAPE bacteria were not detected after disinfection of N95 masks. |
Résumé |
Introduction |
One of the serious consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is the shortage of protective equipment for health personnel. N95 masks are considered one of the essential protective equipment in the management of patients with COVID-19. The shortage of N95 masks implies potential health risks for health personnel and significant economic losses for the health institution. The objective of this work was to investigate the disinfection of N95 masks artificially contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 and ESKAPE bacteria by using hydrogen peroxide plasma.
Material and methods |
We examined the disinfection capacity of hydrogen peroxide plasma against the SARS-CoV-2 and 2 members of the ESKAPE bacteria (Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus) through a study of artificial contamination in situ of N95 masks. Amplification of specific genes by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of SARS-CoV-2 and microbiological culture of ESKAPE bacteria was performed before and after the disinfection process.
Results |
SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in all assays using 5 different concentrations of the virus, and A baumannii and S aureus were not cultivable with inoculums of 102 to 106 CFU after disinfection tests of N95 masks with hydrogen peroxide plasma.
Conclusion |
Disinfection of N95 masks by using the hydrogen peroxide plasma technology can be an alternative for their reuse in a shortage situation. Implications for the use of disinfection technologies of N95 masks and the safety of health personnel are discussed.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key Words : Protective equipment, Device reuse, Medical security, COVID-19
Plan
Funding: This study is part of the project “CONACyT 313771”:Análisis del efecto del ozono sobre SARS-CoV2 como alternativa de producto desinfectante en equipos de protección del personal de salud de alta demanda.” |
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Conflicts of interest: All authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to this article. |
Vol 48 - N° 9
P. 1037-1041 - septembre 2020 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.