Next Mission Home Care LLC
Types of Personal Protective Equipment we offer
The Importance of Personal Protective Equipment
During this era of a pandemic, many have grown concerned over the rapid spread of infection. Therefore it is essential to learn about the importance of Personal Protective Equipment as well as the types of Personal Protective Equipment that can most effectively minimize the risk of exposure.
Personal Protective Equipment comes in many forms, and when used together correctly, it effectively lowers the risk of cross-contamination. Personal Protection Barriers, Covers, Layers, and Garments are all designed to work in sync to shield against infectious elements.
Next Mission Home Care LLC is a leading supplier of these products designed to prevent exposure and maximize protection. With advanced knowledge of types of Personal Protective Equipment, it is possible to keep yourself and others safe in and out of the workplace.
Masks for Healthcare Providers
During pandemic or emergencies, health officials often refer to these standards by recommending, for example, that certain healthcare workers should use an “N95, FFP2, or equivalent” respirator.
Different Types of Medical Masks
There are two different types of medical masks:
1. Surgical masks are lightly fitting disposable masks that protect the mouth and nose from contact with droplets, splashes, and sprays that may contain germs. In doing so, the masks shield others from exposure to saliva and respiratory secretions and filter out large particles.
2. Respirator masks provide greater prevention than a surgical mask because they filter out small particles as well as large ones. They keep out at least 95% of airborne pathogens (FFP2- 94%) and mold to the wearer’s face, which makes them particularly effective for healthcare workers in direct care or exposure to COVID-19 patients. Some have valves for added protection. Respirator masks are critical for protection during aerosol-generating clinical procedures. KN95, N95, and FFP2 are structurally similar and are named differently based on where they are manufactured. KN95 is the Chinese model, N95 is the American model, and FFP2 is the European model.
The Importance of Wearing Gloves
The FDA is aware that the need for gloves may “outpace the supply available to health care organizations.” Note that there is a shortage of other crucial personal protective equipment, such as face masks and N95 respirators.
Types of Gloves
There are two types of gloves: rubber latex and nitrile. Health professionals prefer nitrile for many excellent reasons:
- Nitrile gloves protect from a wide range of chemicals like alkali solutions, solvents, greases, and oils
- They also provide an effective barrier to bloodborne pathogens
- They offer exceptional durability and protection
- They are cut-resistant, chemical-resistant, comfortable, and anti-static
- Nitrile does not contain latex, which can cause allergic reactions
Nitrile gloves must be powder-free, non-sterile, and single-use. When providing direct care for an infected person, gloves must be removed, followed by hand hygiene between patients. Do not use the same gloves for multiple COVID-19 cases. Except for surgical procedures with a high risk of rupture, do not double glove.
Isolation Gowns
Gowns are referred to as surgical gowns, isolation gowns, surgical isolation gowns, non-surgical gowns, procedural gowns, and operating room gowns.
How to Choose an Isolation Gown
Three factors will influence your choice of a gown or apron:
- Purpose of use
- Material properties
- Clean vs. sterile
1. Isolation gowns are generally the preferred PPE for clothing, but aprons may be used in situations with a low risk of contamination. Choose a gown if your arms are at risk of contamination. Gowns should fit comfortably, fully cover the torso, and have long sleeves that fit snuggly at the wrist.
2. Isolation gowns are made either of cotton or spun synthetic. If the fabric is washable, you may reuse the gown; otherwise, you must dispose of it after one use. Cotton and spun synthetic isolation gowns vary in their degree of fluid resistance. If fluid penetration is likely, use a fluid-resistant gown.
Clean gowns are used for isolation. Sterile gowns are only necessary for performing invasive procedures, such as inserting a central line. In this case, a sterile gown would serve the purpose of both patient and healthcare worker protection.
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- Virginia