Comparison of Three Commercially Available Fit-Test Methods

Janssen, Larry; Luinenburg, Michael D.; Mullins, Haskell E.; Nelson, Thomas J.

doi:10.1080/15428110208984767

Cited by 22 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…The ANSI criteria for accepting new fit tests are advisory and recognize that a reference standard for quantitative fit testing does not exist. Janssen et. al.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Experience in this laboratory has shown that people who participate in fit tests on a frequent basis and who are allowed to perform user seal checks, can adjust most respirators to fit well enough to pass a fit test (Janssen, 2002). For this reason, the subjects were instructed to adjust the facepiece until comfortable but were not permitted to perform a user seal check.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

223. Development of an Abbreviated Qualitative Fit Test Using Bitter Aerosol

Nelson¹,

Janssen²,

Mullins³

et al. 2003

AIHce 2003

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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.134 respiratory protection, requires qualitative fit tests (QLFT) to consist of seven, one minute exercises. This procedure is time consuming, and the benefit of the exercise duration is unknown. This study evaluated a bitter (Bitrex™) aerosol fit test with 15 second exercises. The shortened test was compared to a generated aerosol quantitative fit test (QNFT) using one minute exercise times. Results show that the shortened test has a test sensitivity of 0.92. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed a 0.33 probability of passing the Bitrex test with a fit factor of 100 and a 0.20 probability of passing with a fit factor of 50. These probability values are very similar to those of the widely used ambient aerosol QNFT. The 15 second Bitrex protocol sufficiently screens for adequate respirator fit in subjects with level 1 Bitrex taste sensitivity.

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“…The ANSI criteria for accepting new fit tests are advisory and recognize that a reference standard for quantitative fit testing does not exist. Janssen et. al.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

223. Development of an Abbreviated Qualitative Fit Test Using Bitter Aerosol

Nelson¹,

Janssen²,

Mullins³

et al. 2003

AIHce 2003

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show abstract

“…25,26 Generally, several studies regarding the QLFT procedure were performed using commercial nebulizers. 10,[16][17][18]20,[27][28][29] Furthermore, Huang et al explored some medical nebulizers and found those nebulizers could be substituted for the OSHA-approved ones. 30 Notably, some studies were carried out concerning the QLFT protocol using commercial nebulizers in Iran by Jahangiri et al 16,31,32 It seems that all of those studies were aimed to assess the feasibility of some substitutions for the QLFT protocols and introduce the cost-benefit and reliable solutions (options) to all respirator users in order to focus on the importance of conducting fit testing protocols and improving culture and attitude towards the fit testing procedures as one of the most important components of the respiratory protection program (RPP).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Medical Nebulizer as a Substitute for the OSHA-Approved Nebulizer for Qualitative Fit Testing of Respirators During the Respiratory Infectious Pandemics: An Experimental Feasibility Study

Fakherpour

Jahangiri

Seif

2022

Disaster med. public health prep.

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Objective: The qualitative fit testing procedure would be challenging due to severe shortages, high cost, and unavailability of commercial fit test kits in the marketplaces during pandemics of respiratory infectious diseases. Assessment of alternatives for commercial fit test kits to be prepared for emergencies is critically required. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of an alternative of the Accumed NF60 nebulizer for the OSHA-approved Allegro one. Methods: Thirty-two participants were randomly allocated to six filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). They were qualitatively fit tested by both manual Allegro and automated Accumed NF60 nebulizers. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the Allegro and Accumed NF60 nebulizers by passing rates. The odds for passing fit testing using the Accumed NF60 nebulizer was similar to that of the Allegro one [OR=1.0, 95% CI (0.58-1.74)]. Conclusions: The Accumed NF60 nebulizer could be used as a cost-benefit substitute for the standard fit test nebulizers in the pandemic situation where there is a shortage and difficulty of access. It is more convenient, decreases the time investment, and reduces the contact stress in the operators’ hands as it does not require squeezing the nebulizer bulb frequently. The test solutions' preparation and fit testing procedures on many personnel are more straightforward, efficient, and hygienic than the Allegro one.

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“…In the conventional Portacount fit‐test method, leakage is measured during a sampling period of 30 s; this figure is used to calculate a mean leakage for the period of the entire fit test. An instantaneous leak or relatively high leakage during a single exercise can be offset by longer periods of lower leakage in that single exercise, resulting in an overall passing fit factor in a single exercise . Studies show that health‐care workers are increasingly becoming exposed to, and contracting, Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in the workplace, particularly multiple‐drug‐resistant TB…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A novel approach to fit testing the N95 respirator in real time in a clinical setting

Chung

Wong³

2014

Int J of Nursing Practice

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The instant measurements provided by the Portacount fit-test instrument have been used as the gold standard in predicting the protection of an N95 respirator in a laboratory environment. The conventional Portacount fit-test method, however, cannot deliver real-time measurements of face-seal leakage when the N95 respirator is in use in clinical settings. This research was divided into two stages. Stage 1 involved developing and validating a new quantitative fit-test method called the Personal Respiratory Sampling Test (PRST). In Stage 2, PRST was evaluated in use during nursing activities in clinical settings. Eighty-four participants were divided randomly into four groups and were tested while performing bedside nursing procedures. In Stage 1, a new PRST method was successfully devised and validated. Results of Stage 2 showed that the new PRST method could detect different concentrations and different particle sizes inside the respirator while the wearer performed different nursing activities. This new fit-test method, PRST, can detect face seal leakage of an N95 respirator being worn while the wearer performs clinical activities. Thus, PRST can help ensure that the N95 respirator actually fulfils its function of protecting health-care workers from airborne pathogens.

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Comparison of Three Commercially Available Fit-Test Methods

Cited by 22 publications

References 20 publications

223. Development of an Abbreviated Qualitative Fit Test Using Bitter Aerosol

223. Development of an Abbreviated Qualitative Fit Test Using Bitter Aerosol

A Medical Nebulizer as a Substitute for the OSHA-Approved Nebulizer for Qualitative Fit Testing of Respirators During the Respiratory Infectious Pandemics: An Experimental Feasibility Study

A novel approach to fit testing the N95 respirator in real time in a clinical setting

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