A surgical mask should cover both the nose and mouth. It should be able to filter >95% of bacteria (eg, N95, N99 or N100), particularly if infection isolation precautions are necessary. The mask's outer surface can become contaminated with infectious droplets from spray of oral fluids or from touching the mask with contaminated fingers. When a mask becomes wet from exhaled moist air, the resistance to airflow through the mask increases. Available data indicate infectious droplet nuclei measure 1 to 5 um; therefore, respirators used in healthcare settings should be able to efficiently filter the smallest particles in this range. This causes more airflow to pass around the edges of the mask.
The eyes should be protected from debris or large particles of water containing blood and OPIM. Eye protection wear should be designed with side shield or, better still, face shields.
Recommendations
1. Wear a surgical mask and eye protection with solid side shields or a face shield to protect mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth during procedures likely to generate splashing or spattering of blood orother body fluids.
2. Change masks between patients or during patient treatment if the mask becomes wet.
3. Clean with soap and water, or if visibly soiled, clean and disinfect reusable facial protective equipment (eg, clinician and patient protective eyewear or face shields) between patients.
4. All PPE should be removed before DHCP leave patient-care areas.
5. Reusable PPE (eg, clinician or patient eyewear and face shields) should be cleaned with soap and water and when visibly soiled, disinfect between patients, according to the manufacturer's directions.