While there is not an official CDC or WHO policy statement on this issue, the general rule of thumb is a surgical mask may be used on a patient as long as you can ensure good hygiene. If the mask gets wet, then the resistance through the media will increase and more particles may be pushed outside the loose-fitting surgical mask. I've seen them used for periods of time ranging from an hour to a few days, depending on how much the patient "loads" the mask.
Paul A. Jensen, PhD, PE, CIH
"It depends!"
While there is not an official CDC or WHO policy statement on this issue, the general rule of thumb is a surgical mask may be used on a patient as long as you can ensure good hygiene. If the mask gets wet, then the resistance through the media will increase and more particles may be pushed outside the loose-fitting surgical mask. I've seen them used for periods of time ranging from an hour to a few days, depending on how much the patient "loads" the mask.
Regards,
Paul J
9:17 AM, 10 Dec 2010 | Permalink