The shortage of N95 masks has forced hospitals to look for opportunities for physical care staff while treating patients with COVID-19.
As the call suggests, the KN95 mask is intended to remove 95% of aerosol particles; however, ECRI, a non-profit organization for patient protection, issued a high-priority hazard alert opposed to these masks after an investigation revealed that up to 70% of the KN95 mask imported from China met those filtration standards.
The news comes when U. S. hospitals are in the middle of the world. But it’s not the first time They have been forced to buy thousands of KN95 masks produced in China over the past six months.
“We found that many do not oppose or be effective in spreading COVID-19,” said Dr. Marcus Schabacker, president and CEO of ECRI. “The use of masks that do not meet U. S. criteriaBut it’s not the first time It puts patients and frontline fitness personnel at risk of infection.
ECRI tested nearly two hundred masks from 15 other brands purchased through some of the largest fitness systems in the country. Chabacker stated that there is not only variability among other brands, but also inconsistencies between masks manufactured by the same manufacturer.
“We are involved in protecting fitness personnel and patients when KN95 in high-risk procedures and that’s why we’ve sent a danger alert,” he said. “We don’t use this lightly; we reserve it for immediate risk. “
In April, the Food and Drug Administration issued a general emergency use authorization for the mask manufactured in China and approved through the National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The firm reissued the order in June.
In addition to filtration problems, public fitness experts have also criticized the KN95 mask for its inability to create an airtight seal on the face. While N95 masks have head and neck straps, the KN95 has earrings.
“What needs to be taken into account is that it’s the well-adjusted joint on your face that provides the N95’s amazing protection, plus the high-quality mask filters themselves,” said Dr. Robert Glatter, emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital. in New York.
However, Schabacker stated that ECRI’s research controlled the decrease in woven slopes by cutting them and creating a seal style test. mask did.
China asserts that this applies to KN95 masks that were manufactured in China. Some KN95s are imported from South Korea.
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Schabacker said fitness service providers deserve to try the KN95 mask before using them, and also suggests strategically employing the N95 mask by re-employment or expanding its use.
But Schabacker and Glatter argue that these rapid solutions will not reduce overall PPE shortages in the United States and advocate a more centralized production and distribution technique so that hospitals have the equipment they need.
“Nearly nine months after the onset of the pandemic, we want a national plan for the protection and fitness of all first responders and physical health workers,” Glatter said. “We want to create a reliable and continuous source of EPIArray . . . so you don’t have to depend on other countries. “
Follow Adrianna Rodriguez on Twitter: @AdriannaUSAT.
The patient protection and fitness policy at USA TODAY is made imaginable in a component through a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in the Health Sector. The Masimo Foundation does not provide any editorial contribution.