Journal Article

SURGICAL MASK SELECTION

Cahn, Julie

2021

Overview

Perioperative personnel should match the barrier properties of the mask, which are stated on the product label, to the tasks and exposure level expected for each individual procedure.1 According to ASTM International, the ASTM barrier level listed on the product label describes the level of protection provided during use (Table 1).2 Perioperative personnel may use surgical masks with ASTM barrier levels 1, 2, or 3 during surgery; the higher the ASTM barrier level listed on the label, the more protective the mask will be for the wearer.1,2 Several factors may complicate surgical mask purchasing and selection. Surgical masks may be labeled as surgical, isolation, laser, medical procedure, or dental masks and may or may not have attached face shields.3,4 Surgical masks are regulated under 21 CFR 878.40405 as a class II device, but other face masks are not.4,5 Furthermore, even when the product label states that the device is a \"surgical mask,\" it may not have undergone US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-recommended fluid-resistance testing.1,3 This is because testing for risks to the user is recommended but not required, and alternative surgical mask risk assessments are allowed during the (501[k]) premarket notification submission process. \"1(p1081) Personnel should select the type of mask that provides the best facial fit, which may be a mask that has ties, ear loops, or elastic straps.1 Wearing a surgical mask that provides complete coverage and a snug facial fit helps to provide a physical barrier against fluids (eg, splashes, splatters, sprays) and particulate materials.1,3 Julie Cahn, DNP, RN, CNOR, RN-BC, ACNS-BC, CNSCP, is a senior perioperative practice specialist in the Nursing Department at AORN, Inc, Denver, CO.

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc
• Subject: Masks