Alternative Qualitative Fit Testing Method for N95 Equivalent Respirators in the Setting of Resource Scarcity at the George Washington University

Destie Provenzano; Yuan James Rao; Konstantin Mitic; Sofian N Obaid; Jeffrey Berger; Sharad Goyal; Murray H Loew

Commercial OSHA test typically uses a nebulizer to aerosolize particles. We repurposed a nebulizer in the form of an atomizer (a cosmetic spray product available at commercial retailers like Amazon for $10-30 USD) to test fit. A clinical nebulizer used for aerosolizing inhaled medications is also acceptable, if it is available. The subject was instructed to stand within a confined space to mimic the hood. The saccharin solution was loaded into the nebulizer then sprayed first next to the subject, but not directly at the subject, without respirator protection. The subject had to verify they were able to taste the substance before moving to the next step. The subject was instructed to clean their palate of the saccharin with a neutral substance like a glass of water. Next the substance was sprayed around the subject, but not directly at the subject, to verify the subject could not taste the substance through the respirator. Various movements were instructed similar to the commercial fit test such as normal breathing, deep breathing, turning head side to side, moving head up and down, speaking, jogging in place, and normal breathing once again. If the subject could not taste the substance under any of these conditions, the fit of the mask was deemed to be adequate and to pass the test.