The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared the SpectraShield 9500 N95 surgical respirator, a device that kills 99.99 percent of three different kinds of bacteria when exposed to its outer surface, according to an FDA news release.
Data from laboratory tests demonstrated that the respirator is effective against the following bacteria: Streptococcus pyogenes, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also called MRSA, and Haemophilus influenzae.
Regular face masks do not filter or block tiny particles that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes or certain medical procedures. Regular facemasks also do not provide complete protection from contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface and the face. The N95 respirator blocks at least 95 percent of very small particles when subjected to careful testing. If properly fitted, the capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of regular facemasks. Even a properly fitted N95 respirator, however, does not eliminate the risk of infection, illness or death.
Read the FDA news release about the SpectraShield 9500 N95 surgical respirator.
Read other coverage about hospital quality:
- HHS to Invest Up to $1B for New Patient Safety Initiative
- Study: Hospital Errors Occurring 10 Times More Than Previously Detected
- CMS Proposes Rule on Payment Adjustment for Provider-Preventable Conditions
Data from laboratory tests demonstrated that the respirator is effective against the following bacteria: Streptococcus pyogenes, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also called MRSA, and Haemophilus influenzae.
Regular face masks do not filter or block tiny particles that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes or certain medical procedures. Regular facemasks also do not provide complete protection from contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface and the face. The N95 respirator blocks at least 95 percent of very small particles when subjected to careful testing. If properly fitted, the capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of regular facemasks. Even a properly fitted N95 respirator, however, does not eliminate the risk of infection, illness or death.
Read the FDA news release about the SpectraShield 9500 N95 surgical respirator.
Read other coverage about hospital quality:
- HHS to Invest Up to $1B for New Patient Safety Initiative
- Study: Hospital Errors Occurring 10 Times More Than Previously Detected
- CMS Proposes Rule on Payment Adjustment for Provider-Preventable Conditions