Annual N95 respirator fit-testing: an unnecessary burden on healthcare

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2024 Feb;45(2):250-252. doi: 10.1017/ice.2023.187. Epub 2023 Aug 30.

Abstract

US regulations mandate annual N95 mask fit testing for healthcare workers, but the optimal testing interval is unknown. In our study using data from 12,565 healthcare workers, the probability of survival free from fit-test failure after 3 years was 99.4%, suggesting that less frequent fit testing every 3 years would be safe.

MeSH terms

  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • N95 Respirators
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Respiratory Protective Devices*