Masks
+What are the differences between Level 1, 2, and 3 Face Masks?
ASTM Level 1: Procedure Masks - They offer low barrier protection. They are generally used for short procedures and exams that don’t involve aerosols, sprays, or fluids. Level 1 masks are used in patient & staff isolation, clean environments, sterile cores, processing departments, and ER and ICU for bedside procedures.
ASTM Level 2: Surgical Masks - They offer moderate barrier protection. Used for low to moderate levels of aerosols, sprays, and fluids. Level 2 masks are ideal for procedures in which there is a moderate risk of fluid exposure such as splashes or sprays.
ASTM Level 3: Surgical Masks - They offer maximum barrier protection. Used for high risk of exposure to fluids, sprays, and fluids. Level 3 masks are used by Operating Room staff in sterile environments. The closeness of fit protects against fluid transmission. They are intended for situations with a high risk of fluid exposure.
The difference in protection between a Level 2 mask and a Level 3 mask is minimal. But when it is solely a matter of micrometers, level up your mask selection and get the best protection with an ASTM Level 3 mask. The risk of exposure to blood and bodily fluid splatter in the OR is significant and the protection offered in an ASTM Level 1 mask is minimal. When the risk is unknown or too great to ignore, you should use an ASTM Level 3 mask.
+What is a surgical N95 respirator and who needs to wear it?
A surgical N95 mask (also referred to as a medical respirator) is a mask that is recommended for use by healthcare personnel who need protection from both airborne and fluid hazards such as fluid splashes and sprays. These respirators are not used or needed outside of healthcare settings. In times of shortage, only healthcare personnel who are working in a sterile field or who may be exposed to high velocity splashes, sprays, or splatters of blood or body fluids should wear these respirators. Most healthcare personnel caring for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients should not need to use surgical N95 respirators and can use standard N95 respirators.
If a surgical N95 respirator is not available for use in operative or procedural settings, then non-vented N95 respirators may be used along with a face shield to help block high velocity streams of blood and body fluids.
+What are the differences between medical, n95, and kn95?
A medical mask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. Surgical N95 Respirators are commonly used in healthcare settings and are a subset of N95 Filtering Face-piece Respirators, often referred to as N95s.
People with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or other medical conditions that make breathing difficult should check with their health care provider before using an N95 respirator because the N95 respirator can make it more difficult for the wearer to breathe. Some models have exhalation valves that can make breathing out easier and help reduce heat build-up. Note that N95 respirators with exhalation valves should not be used when sterile conditions are needed.
N95 respirators are not designed for children or people with facial hair. Because a proper fit cannot be achieved on children and people with facial hair, the N95 respirator may not provide full protection. In this case, using a disposable or medical mask is recommended.
Most N95 respirators are manufactured for use in construction and other industrial-type jobs that expose workers to dust and small particles. They are regulated by the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
+What are the differences between N95, KN95, and FFP2?
The N95, KN95, FFP2 respirators have almost the same filtration efficiency. The main difference between these respirators is that they are tested by different nations.
The N95 respirators are certified by the U.S. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) with a tested 95% filtration. The KN95 respirator is a particulate-filtering mask tested with China’s criteria. The FFP2 is a filtering face-piece score of 94% filter capacity tested by Europe.
+What is NIOSH-approved respirators?
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal agency responsible for testing and approving respirators for use in US workplace settings. When an employer determines that respiratory protection is necessary in a workplace, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the use of NIOSH-approved respirators. Workplaces covered under OSHA must also establish a complete respiratory protection program.
NIOSH-approved masks have functionalities such as penetration, breathing resistance, and strap strength that meet or exceed the standards set by NIOSH to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles at a particle size of 0.3 micron.
Gloves
+Should I buy Nitrile or Vinyl Gloves?
When deciding between nitrile and vinyl gloves, it can be confusing trying to determine which type of glove is ideal for you.
Nitrile gloves are made out of synthetic rubber, and are an ideal alternative when latex allergies are of concern. Nitrile gloves are the superior glove when it comes to puncture resistance. Nitrile gloves are often referred to as “medical grade”.
Nitrile gloves are much more resistant than Vinyl gloves but are more expensive. The biggest differences are in elasticity and mechanical resistance. For this reason, vinyl gloves are less sensitive and break more easily, even with a simple finger press.
+What are the thickness standards for gloves and how do you choose the right glove thickness?
Glove material thickness is usually measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001” gauge).
Most disposable gloves come in different thicknesses, or gauges, ranging from four to eight mil thick. The vast majority of heavy-duty industrial grade nitrile gloves will be 6 to 8 mils thick. Due to the harsh environments where the industrial grade disposable gloves are used in, the extra thickness will provide a thicker barrier of protection.
Thicker gloves will provide a longer permeation timeframe when working with chemicals, as well as more tear resistance than thinner gloves. Basically, the lower the gauge the higher the level of dexterity and flexibility you will find, and vice versa.
+What are the benefits of disposable nitrile gloves?
Nitrile gloves are best suited for applications that involve handling harsh chemicals and solvents. Nitrile gloves provide exceptional puncture and chemical resistance. They are highly punctured resistant, up to 3 to 5 times more resistant than latex. Unlike latex, which is a natural rubber, nitrile is synthetic and does not cause allergic reactions.
+What are the benefits of disposable latex gloves?
Latex gloves are often preferred by healthcare providers since they provide the best service when it comes to elasticity, comfort, and fit. Surgeons in particular benefit from latex gloves since they are great for sensitive work since they offer more precision, with high tactile sensitivity. Latex gloves are from natural materials, made out of rubber. The primary reason people would choose an alternative to latex is because some people have latex allergies. When allergy is not a concern, latex has a slight advantage with comfort and dexterity over nitrile and vinyl gloves.
+What are the benefits of disposable vinyl gloves?
Vinyl gloves offer both tactile sensitivity and barrier protection from a large number of common chemicals and cleaning solutions. Vinyl is less elastic than nitrile and latex, giving it a loose fit and a smoother, more comfortable feel. With powder-free vinyl gloves, there is no messy powder, but the polymer coating makes the gloves easy to put on and take off. Vinyl gloves are worry-free when it comes to those with latex allergies. Vinyl gloves include no rubber, so no allergen is present.
Gowns, Covers, & Coveralls
+What is the difference between isolation and surgical gowns?
Disposable isolation gowns are protective articles used by medical personnel to avoid exposure to blood, body fluids, and other infectious materials, or to protect patients from infection. The gown isolates and prevents both medical personnel from being infected or contaminated and prevents the patient from being infected. Disposable surgical gowns play a two-way protective role during the operation.
The surgical gown establishes a barrier between the patient and the medical staff to reduce the probability of medical personnel contacting the patient's blood or other body fluids during the surgical procedure. Second, the surgical gown can block the colonization/adhesion of the medical staff's skin or clothing.
+What is the difference between level 1 and 3 isolation gowns?
The levels of protection of each gown provide as the levels increase, for a specific purpose. Level 3 Isolation Gowns provide the most protection; it is Anti-fluid, Anti-Alcohol, Anti-blood, and Anti-static. The level 1 gown is usually used for basic care, standard isolations, usually for Visitors. The greater the level, the more ideal it is for healthcare providers and employees.
+The difference between PE / SMS gowns and how do you choose the correct gown material for your needs?
PE (Polyethylene): Single layer of plastic film. Thin, fluid resistant material, much like plastic. Minimal breathability, but very durable.
PE Gown: made in PE film, thick and strong, mainly in orange and green color, used in labs and farms. This gown is worn from the bottom, so it is also called PE suit, PE cover, plastic suit, and plastic gown.
SMS Fabric: Three layered, 100% polypropylene fabric: Spunbond PP + Meltblown PP
SMS Medical Isolation Coverall: Non-woven SMS coverall is very popular in recent days during the pandemic. It has trousers, coat and cap, and with elastic closure to make sure it protects the whole body. SMS fabric makes sure no virus and water can penetrate.
SMS Spunbond Advantages: High tensive stretch, flexibility, and abrasion resistance.
SMS Meltblown Advantages: Ultrafine pore structure and effective absorption. Optimal combination of protection and comfort (soft, strong, fluid resistant, antistatic, breathable) meant for extended use under low to moderate fluid exposure conditions (often used for AAMI Level 2 and 3 gowns).
Facial Protection
+What are the benefits of wearing a protective face shield?
A face shield can provide additional protection to other facial areas that safety glasses or goggles cannot. Face shields are considered to be a secondary protector and must always be worn over protective safety glasses or goggles. To provide better face and eye protection, a face shield should have crown and chin protection and wrap around the face to the point of the ear. Disposable face shields for medical personnel made of light weight films that are attached to a surgical mask or fit loosely around the face should not be relied upon as optimal protection. They will protect the eyes and all parts of the face.
+What do eye goggles protect from?
Protective goggles form a protective seal around both eyes where the material is tight or flush to the face.
Anti-bacterial Wipes and Sanitizers
+How effective are these wipes?
Our wipes are highly effective in removing bacteria, germs, sweat, dirt, body oils as well as deodorize and protect surfaces.
+What are the wipes made of?
The Ingredients are Polypropylene – 90%, Water – 7.5%, and Ethanol – 2.5%.
+Does it easily dry out? Is it resealable?
Yes. The item is contained in a tight & resealable plastic container. No need to worry about your wipes drying out as it will be resealed tightly.
+Are alcohol-based hand sanitizers flammable?
Yes, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are flammable and should be kept away from fire or flames.
+What is the difference between alcohol and antibacterial wipes?
Alcohol wipes are an easy way to sanitize and disinfect surfaces quickly. According to health authority data, wipes are as effective at killing germs as any other sanitizing gel, liquid, or spray product.
Antibacterial wipes, like the kind made with benzalkonium chloride, are only approved to kill bacteria. They might not work as well on viruses.
+What is the difference between products that disinfect, sanitize, and clean surfaces?
The difference between sanitizing and disinfecting is that one is stronger than the other. However, that doesn't mean sanitizing wipes aren't effective.
Hand wipes are skin-safe, meaning you can use them on your hands and delicate surfaces without worrying about the effects of disinfectant chemicals.
The FDA designates a sanitizing wipe as one that can kill up to 99.99% of bacteria in a time frame between 30 seconds and five minutes.
Surface wipes are also called disinfectant, antibacterial, and/or antiviral wipes because they can kill bacteria and viruses on hard surfaces.
+Are foaming hand sanitizers better than gel sanitizers?
There are no tangible differences between the two. The choice between gels versus foam is really a personal preference. Some people feel that gel hand sanitizers are easier to move around the hands. Others prefer foam because it tends to cling to hands rather than roll off or drip.
Test instruments and UV equipment
+How do Infrared Thermometers work?
An infrared thermometer houses optics that collects the radiant infrared energy from the object and focuses it onto a detector. The detector converts the energy into an electrical signal, which is amplified and displayed.
+Are Infrared Thermometers accurate?
Infrared thermometers have the same level of accuracy and reliability as that of a rectal or oral thermometer. However, the accuracy depends on how and where you use these thermometers.
+What is the best way to clean an Infrared Thermometer?
To clean IR Thermometers, use a soft cloth or cotton swab with water or medical grade rubbing alcohol and carefully wipe first the lens and then the body of the thermometer. Allow the lens to dry fully before using the thermometer. Never use soap or chemicals and never submerge it in water.
+Can ultraviolet light kill Coronavirus?
When used appropriately, ultraviolet radiation is very effective at killing or deactivating pathogens. It can also cause harm to humans, so care must be taken when evaluating new technologies racing to market in a bid to help mitigate the new coronavirus
+Should UVC lamps be cleaned?
Depending on the surrounding environment, UVC lamps should be checked periodically (every three months), and can be cleaned with a dry cotton cloth or paper towel. Wear rubber gloves and clean with alcohol only. This will also help maximize lamp life.