N95 Use in Operating Room - Infection Control Update

In accordance with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) (July 28, 2009) document, Guidance: Infection prevention and control measures for Health Care Workers in Acute Care Facilities, Infection Prevention and Control at Fraser Health has posted the Personal Protective Equipment Recommendations including N95 use on our website. 

These guidelines include the following:

• N95 respirators are required for aerosol generating medical procedures (AGMP) for Pandemic Influenza H1N1
• Intubation and extubation are considered AGMP 
• Although ventilators are normally a closed system, there is the potential for disconnection which is not always predictable or preventable. Therefore, it is recommended that facial protection should be the N95 respirator and eyewear for all those present in the operating room from intubation to extubation.
• N95 respirator recommendations remain unchanged for suspect or confirmed infection transmissions transmitted by the airborne route, such as TB (please refer to the Infection Prevention and Control Manual for Acute Care)