Four considerations from ICCS:
1. ASC staff are encouraged to fit-test N95 respirator masks before using them for aerosol-generating procedures.
2. KN95 respirator masks should be considered face masks only — not respirator masks, as they aren’t approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
3. Some outpatient providers have been reusing, repurposing and reprocessing NIOSH-approved N95 masks.
4. Alternatively, ASCs could provide a set number of approved N95 masks to every staff member who may be involved in aerosol-generating procedures and have those staff members rotate their supplies.
More articles on surgery centers:
Life after ramp-up: How COVID-19 will change ASCs forever
3 ASC nurses join COVID-19 front lines in New York
4 hospitals, health systems opening ASCs
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.