Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kit with Best Barrier Efficiency

Due to the necessity of the Corona Virus outbreak, the Protective equipment consists of outfits placed to protect the health care workers or any other persons to get infected. These usually consist: Gown with headcover, Boots covers. Will include: Gloves, Goggles, and mask. You can be Dispose of PPE in a non-toxic and environment-friendly manner.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is most essential in preventing the spread of the virus not only in treatment centers but also in different activities, e.g. cleaning; waste management and safe burials, and community care related to the COVID-19 outbreak and give protection against biological aerosols.

PPE Material characteristics (weight, thickness, pore size, and resistance to synthetic blood strike through) thought to influence the barrier effectiveness was measured and the relationship between these characteristics and BFE was examined. 

Evaluation of PPE Materials:-

In this study, two components of the FDA recommended areas were evaluated,
1) liquid resistance and
2) filtration efficiency.

Properties that characterize the PPE Material, such as thickness, weight, and pore size, were measured in addition to the liquid resistance and bacterial filtration efficiency. The PPE Material with the smallest pore size has been shown to have the maximum bacterial filtration efficiency.

Increased Challenge Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) is the test that is conducted using Staphylococcus aurous as the challenge organism. A liquid suspension of S. aureus is aerosolized and delivered to the filtration media at a constant flow rate of 30 liters per minute (LPM). The Increased BFE procedure is very reproducible, easily performed, and provides a more severe challenge to most filtration devices than would be expected in normal use. 

Liquid barrier properties were measured according to Standard Test Method for Resistance of PPE Material to infiltration by Synthetic Blood. This test method is designed to evaluate the penetration of the masks by synthetic blood under high velocity. Velocity spray pressures of 80 mmHg, 120 mmHg, and 160 mmHg were selected.

Types of PPE Material to Keep Out of Coronavirus:-

1. BFE/PFE/VFE

The most common BFE, PFE, and VFE standards shown on the PPE Material are the results of the filtration rate test used to mark particles of different sizes and these standards apply to most brands.

Standard	Size of Particles
BFE - Bacteria Filtration Efficiency	3 microns
PFE - Particle Filtration Efficiency	0.1 microns
VFE - Virus Filtration Efficiency	0.1 – 5 microns  (AVG 2.8 microns)

   

2. ASTM Level

Most PPE material manufactured in the United States will follow this test standard. The protective strength of PPE Material is divided into Level 1 to 3, with Level 1 being the lowest and Level 3 being the highest, while BFE and PFE are also tested. What makes the ASTM test standard different is the additional 3 criteria: Fluid Resistance to Synthetic Blood, Delta P (Pressure Differential), and Flame Spread. The biggest difference between PPE Material at different levels is Fluid Resistance to synthetic blood, this only matters to health care workers.

	BFE	PFE	Fluid Resistance(mmHg)	Delta P	Flame Spread
Level 1	≥95%	≥95%	80	<4.0	Class 1
Level 2	≥98%	≥98%	120	<5.0	Class 1
Level 3	≥98%	≥98%	160	<5.0	Class 1

3. KF（Korean Filter）

“KF” is a PPE Material grade designated by the Korean Health Bureau. There are “KF80”, “KF94”, “KF99” on the market.

• KF80: effectively block about 80% of particles from the air, 0.6 microns in size, can only protect against dust and air pollution particles, cannot block the source of infection
• KF94: Effectively block about 94% of fine particles and infection sources from the air, 0.4 microns or less in size
• KF99: Effectively block about 99% of fine particles and infection sources from the air, 0.4 microns or less in size.

Most of the Korean people will choose KF94 as KF99 is pretty expensive and KF94 is enough for keeping out of infection. 

4. PM 2.5

If the PPE Material is marked with “PM 2.5”, it means the mask can effectively block small suspended particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or more in the air. Generally, it is designed to protect against air pollution or sand storms. 

If the mask is only rated as PM2.5, it is not effective in preventing coronavirus. You better find a PM2.5 mask that also meets the BFE + PFE standard. 

Thanks & Regards,

Gourav Kala,
Certified Fitness & Wellness Coach,
+91-9999944773

Special Thanks to:-

Mr. Nitin Kumar ( 9991154544) as a CNF Distributor of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kits is Tripulse International Pvt Ltd, Faridabad
Mr. Nalin Verma ( 9991188888) as a CNF Distributor of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kits is Bhavya Enterprises, Rohtak

Acknowledgments:-  This research was in part through the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station, regional project S-1002.

Disclaimer: The article is based on general information regarding the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kits. Please consult your medical professional before using it as per self conditions.

(The author is Nutritionist certified from The Health Sciences Academy and user of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kits. Views expressed are personal.)