Source avec lien : Journal of Hospital Infection, (Prépublication), 8/22/2020. 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.08.016
Contexte Lors de pandémies telles que la COVID-19, les pénuries d’équipements de protection individuelle sont courantes. Une solution peut consister à décontaminer les équipements tels que les masques faciaux pour les réutiliser. Objectif Recueillir et synthétiser les informations existantes sur la décontamination des masques respiratoires filtrants N95 à l’aide de traitements par micro-ondes et par la chaleur, en accordant une attention particulière à l’impact sur le fonctionnement du masque (pénétration des aérosols, résistance à l’écoulement de l’air), l’ajustement et les caractéristiques physiques.
Background In pandemics such as COVID-19, shortages of personal protective equipment are common. One solution may be to decontaminate equipment such as facemasks for reuse. Aim To collect and synthesize existing information on decontamination of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) using microwave and heat-based treatments, with special attention to impact on mask function (aerosol penetration, airflow resistance), fit, and physical traits. Methods A systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42020177036) of literature available from Medline, Embase, Global Health, and other sources was conducted. Records were screened independently by two reviewers, and data was extracted from studies that reported on effects of microwave- or heat-based decontamination on N95 FFR performance, fit, physical traits, and/or reductions in microbial load. Findings Thirteen studies were included that used dry/moist microwave irradiation, heat, or autoclaving. All treatment types reduced pathogen load by a log10 reduction factor of at least three when applied for sufficient duration (>30s microwave, >60 min dry heat), with most studies assessing viral pathogens. Mask function (aerosol penetration <5% and airflow resistance <25mmH2O) was preserved after all treatments except autoclaving. Fit was maintained for most N95 models, though all treatment types caused observable physical damage to at least one model. Conclusions Microwave irradiation and heat may be safe and effective viral decontamination options for N95 FFR reuse during critical shortages. The evidence does not support autoclaving or high-heat (>90oC) approaches. Physical degradation may be an issue for certain mask models, and more real-world evidence on fit is needed.