Bacterial Filtration Efficiency
Main Article Content
Keywords
Medical masks, Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE), SNI 8489 : 2018
Abstract
Background: The specifications of medical masks are different from those of non-medical masks although they may appear similar. Currently, the Indonesian Government through the Ministry of Health has made efforts to tighten supervision of the quality of medical mask products circulating in the community. Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) testing is one of the requirements for medical masks to obtain circulation permit from the Indonesian Ministry of Health. Medical masks can be considered good if they have a minimum bacterial filtration efficiency of 95%. If the percentage of BFE result is greater, then the ability of the mask to filter bacteria is also greater. This review aims to provide information on the performance of various types of medical masks through BFE testing and the relationship with the characteristics of the materials used.
Method: Relevant articles were obtained from PubMed, Science Direct, Research Gate, Google Scholar, and springer databases and then filtered. Sixteen articles were reviewed and included in this study to achieve the study objective.
Result: There are various types of medical masks including surgical masks and N-95 respirator masks. One of the requirements for medical masks is the ability to filter or (BFE) test. Factors that affect the filtration ability of masks include the type of material used and the method of making the mask.
Conclusion: Testing the filtration efficiency of medical masks can be done through the Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) test. Good medical masks must have a minimum bacterial filtration efficiency of 95%.
References
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7. SNI. Medical face masks-Requirements [Internet]. 2019. Available from: www.bsn.go.id
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9. Steve Zhou S, Lukula S, Chiossone C, Nims RW, Suchmann DB, Ijaz MK. Assessment of a respiratory face mask for capturing air pollutants and pathogens including human influenza and rhinoviruses. J Thorac Dis. 2018;10(3):2059–69. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29707364/
10. Wang AB, Zhang X, Gao LJ, Zhang T, Xu HJ, Bi YJ. A Review of Filtration Performance of Protective Masks. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2023, Vol 20, Page 2346. 2023;20(3):2346. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/3/2346/htm
11. Kuwahara M, Takahashi C, Nishimura S, Shinkai T, Noma M, Sunakawa T, et al. N95 masks worn to protect against COVID-19 prevented tuberculosis exposure in healthcare workers. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2022;76. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35371475/
12. Driessche K Vanden, Mahlobo PZ, Venter R, Caldwell J, Jennings K, Diacon AH, et al. Face masks in the post-COVID-19 era: a silver lining for the damaged tuberculosis public health response? Lancet Respir Med. 2021;9(4):340–2. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33493446/
13. Sureka B, Garg MK, Misra S. N95 respirator and surgical mask in the pandemic of COVID-19. Ann Thorac Med. 2020;15(4):247. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC7720739/
14. Wibisono Y, Fadila CR, Saiful S, Bilad MR. Facile approaches of polymeric face masks reuse and reinforcements for micro-aerosol droplets and viruses filtration: A review. Polymers (Basel). 2020;12(11):1–18.
15. Masks and Respirators [Internet]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html
16. Tvrzová L, Hrubanová M, Benešovský P, Doubková H, Blahová A, Malčík P, et al. Bacterial filtration efficiency of medical face masks - Evaluation of the use of disposable plastic petri dishes in Andersen impactor. J Microbiol Methods. 2023;204. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36526041/
17. Juang PSC, Tsai P. N95 Respirator Cleaning and Reuse Methods Proposed by the Inventor of the N95 Mask Material. J Emerg Med. 2020;58(5):817–20. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32389433/
18. Sureka B, Misra S. N95 respirator or triple layer surgical mask: Radiologist perspective. Indian J Radiol Imaging. 2021;31(Suppl 1):S198. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC7996693/
19. Rashid TU, Sharmeen S, Biswas S. Effectiveness of N95 Masks against SARS-CoV-2: Performance Efficiency, Concerns, and Future Directions. J Chem Health Saf. 2022;29(2):135–64. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC8768005/
20. Das S, Sarkar S, Das A, Das S, Chakraborty P, Sarkar J. A comprehensive review of various categories of face masks resistant to Covid-19. Clin Epidemiol Glob Health. 2021;12:100835. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC8326209/
21. Steve Zhou S, Lukula S, Chiossone C, Nims RW, Suchmann DB, Ijaz MK. Assessment of a respiratory face mask for capturing air pollutants and pathogens including human influenza and rhinoviruses. J Thorac Dis. 2018;10(3):2059–69. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29707364/
22. (12) (PDF) Experimental Investigation Of Properties Of Polypropylene And Non-Woven Spunbond Fabric [Internet]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311869914_Experimental_Investigation_Of_Properties_Of_Polypropylene_And_Non-Woven_Spunbond_Fabric
23. Sipkens TA, Corbin JC, Oldershaw A, Smallwood GJ. Particle filtration efficiency measured using sodium chloride and polystyrene latex sphere test methods. Sci Data. 2022;9(1). Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC9729174/
24. Htwe YZN, Mamat H, Osman B, Mahmud H. Performance Comparison of Single and Double Masks: Filtration Efficiencies, Breathing Resistance and CO2 Content. Arab J Sci Eng. 2022;1–9. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13369-022-06801-w
25. Tessarolo F. Measuring breathability and bacterial filtration efficiency of face masks in the pandemic context: A round robin study with proficiency testing among non-accredited laboratories. Measurement (Lond). 2022;189. Available from: https://api.elsevier.com/content/article/eid/1-s2.0-S0263224121013658
26. Bayersdorfer J, Giboney S, Martin R, Moore A, Bartles R. Novel manufacturing of simple masks in response to international shortages: Bacterial and particulate filtration efficiency testing. Am J Infect Control. 2020;48(12):1543–5. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32682015/
27. SNI. Indonesian National Standard Standard specification for the performance of materials used in medical masks (ASTM F2100-11, IDT). 2018; Available from: www.bsn.go.id
28. Whyte HE, Montigaud Y, Audoux E, Verhoeven P, Prier A, Leclerc L, et al. Comparison of bacterial filtration efficiency vs. particle filtration efficiency to assess the performance of non-medical face masks. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):1188.
29. Fouqueau A, Pourchez J, Leclerc L, Peyron A, Montigaud Y, Verhoeven P, et al. OPEN ACCESS Inter-laboratory Comparison between Particle and Bacterial Filtration Efficiencies of Medical Face Masks in the COVID-19 Context. Available from: https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.220252
30. Drouillard KG, Tomkins A, Lackie S, Laengert S, Baker A, Clase CM, et al. Fitted filtration efficiency and breathability of 2-ply cotton masks: Identification of cotton consumer categories acceptable for home-made cloth mask construction. PLoS One. 2022;17(3):e0264090. Available from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0264090
31. Drouillard KG, Tomkins A, Lackie S, Laengert S, Baker A, Clase CM, et al. Fitted filtration efficiency and breathability of 2-ply cotton masks: Identification of cotton consumer categories acceptable for homemade cloth mask construction. PLoS One. 2022;17(3 March).
32. Oberg T, Brosseau LM. Surgical mask filter and fit performance. Am J Infect Control. 2008;36(4):276. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC7115281/
33. Liu X, Chen R. [Relationship between Bacterial Filtration Efficiency and Non-oil Particle Filtration Efficiency in Surgical Masks]. Zhongguo Yi Liao Qi Xie Za Zhi. 2020;44(3):267–9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32621439/
34. Teo JY, Kng J, Periaswamy B, Liu S, Lim PC, Lee CE, et al. Exploring Reusability of Disposable Face Masks: Effects of Disinfection Methods on Filtration Efficiency, Breathability, and Fluid Resistance. Glob Chall. 2021;5(11). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34754506/
35. Filipić A, Fric K, Ravnikar M, Kogovšek P. Assessment of Different Experimental Setups to Determine Viral Filtration Efficiency of Face Masks. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(22). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36430072/
36. CDRH. Enforcement Policy for Face Shields, Surgical Masks, and Respirators During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency - Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff. Available from: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-05094.
37. Rengasamy S, Miller A, Eimer BC, Shaffer RE. Filtration Performance of FDA-Cleared Surgical Masks. J Int Soc Respir Prot. 2009;26(3):54. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC7357397/
2. Mello VM, Eller CM, Salvio AL, Nascimento FF, Figueiredo CM, Silva ESRF, et al. Effectiveness of face masks in blocking the transmission of SARS-CoV-2: A preliminary evaluation of masks used by SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. PLoS One. 2022;17(2). Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC8865648/
3. Lv F, Xiong Q, Min S, Chen J, Ren L, Zhu Z, et al. Safety and Comfort of Wearing Medical Masks in Adult Surgical Patients After General Anesthesia During the COVID-19 Epidemic: A Retrospective, Observational Cohort Study. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing. 2022;37(3):351. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC8062440/
4. Bartoszko JJ, Farooqi MAM, Alhazzani W, Loeb M. Medical masks vs N95 respirators for preventing COVID-19 in healthcare workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2020;14(4):365–73. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32246890/
5. SNI. Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) of Medical Mask Material Using Staphylococcus aureus Biological Aerosol. 2018; Available from: www.bsn.go.id
6. Rengasamy S, Shaffer R, Williams B, Smit S. A comparison of facemask and respirator filtration test methods. J Occup Environ Hyg. 2017;14(2):92. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC7157953/
7. SNI. Medical face masks-Requirements [Internet]. 2019. Available from: www.bsn.go.id
8. Košir T. Bacterial Filtration Efficiency of Different Masks. Strojniski Vestnik/Journal of Mechanical Engineering. 2022;68(4):225–32.
9. Steve Zhou S, Lukula S, Chiossone C, Nims RW, Suchmann DB, Ijaz MK. Assessment of a respiratory face mask for capturing air pollutants and pathogens including human influenza and rhinoviruses. J Thorac Dis. 2018;10(3):2059–69. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29707364/
10. Wang AB, Zhang X, Gao LJ, Zhang T, Xu HJ, Bi YJ. A Review of Filtration Performance of Protective Masks. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2023, Vol 20, Page 2346. 2023;20(3):2346. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/3/2346/htm
11. Kuwahara M, Takahashi C, Nishimura S, Shinkai T, Noma M, Sunakawa T, et al. N95 masks worn to protect against COVID-19 prevented tuberculosis exposure in healthcare workers. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2022;76. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35371475/
12. Driessche K Vanden, Mahlobo PZ, Venter R, Caldwell J, Jennings K, Diacon AH, et al. Face masks in the post-COVID-19 era: a silver lining for the damaged tuberculosis public health response? Lancet Respir Med. 2021;9(4):340–2. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33493446/
13. Sureka B, Garg MK, Misra S. N95 respirator and surgical mask in the pandemic of COVID-19. Ann Thorac Med. 2020;15(4):247. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC7720739/
14. Wibisono Y, Fadila CR, Saiful S, Bilad MR. Facile approaches of polymeric face masks reuse and reinforcements for micro-aerosol droplets and viruses filtration: A review. Polymers (Basel). 2020;12(11):1–18.
15. Masks and Respirators [Internet]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html
16. Tvrzová L, Hrubanová M, Benešovský P, Doubková H, Blahová A, Malčík P, et al. Bacterial filtration efficiency of medical face masks - Evaluation of the use of disposable plastic petri dishes in Andersen impactor. J Microbiol Methods. 2023;204. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36526041/
17. Juang PSC, Tsai P. N95 Respirator Cleaning and Reuse Methods Proposed by the Inventor of the N95 Mask Material. J Emerg Med. 2020;58(5):817–20. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32389433/
18. Sureka B, Misra S. N95 respirator or triple layer surgical mask: Radiologist perspective. Indian J Radiol Imaging. 2021;31(Suppl 1):S198. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC7996693/
19. Rashid TU, Sharmeen S, Biswas S. Effectiveness of N95 Masks against SARS-CoV-2: Performance Efficiency, Concerns, and Future Directions. J Chem Health Saf. 2022;29(2):135–64. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC8768005/
20. Das S, Sarkar S, Das A, Das S, Chakraborty P, Sarkar J. A comprehensive review of various categories of face masks resistant to Covid-19. Clin Epidemiol Glob Health. 2021;12:100835. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC8326209/
21. Steve Zhou S, Lukula S, Chiossone C, Nims RW, Suchmann DB, Ijaz MK. Assessment of a respiratory face mask for capturing air pollutants and pathogens including human influenza and rhinoviruses. J Thorac Dis. 2018;10(3):2059–69. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29707364/
22. (12) (PDF) Experimental Investigation Of Properties Of Polypropylene And Non-Woven Spunbond Fabric [Internet]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311869914_Experimental_Investigation_Of_Properties_Of_Polypropylene_And_Non-Woven_Spunbond_Fabric
23. Sipkens TA, Corbin JC, Oldershaw A, Smallwood GJ. Particle filtration efficiency measured using sodium chloride and polystyrene latex sphere test methods. Sci Data. 2022;9(1). Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC9729174/
24. Htwe YZN, Mamat H, Osman B, Mahmud H. Performance Comparison of Single and Double Masks: Filtration Efficiencies, Breathing Resistance and CO2 Content. Arab J Sci Eng. 2022;1–9. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13369-022-06801-w
25. Tessarolo F. Measuring breathability and bacterial filtration efficiency of face masks in the pandemic context: A round robin study with proficiency testing among non-accredited laboratories. Measurement (Lond). 2022;189. Available from: https://api.elsevier.com/content/article/eid/1-s2.0-S0263224121013658
26. Bayersdorfer J, Giboney S, Martin R, Moore A, Bartles R. Novel manufacturing of simple masks in response to international shortages: Bacterial and particulate filtration efficiency testing. Am J Infect Control. 2020;48(12):1543–5. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32682015/
27. SNI. Indonesian National Standard Standard specification for the performance of materials used in medical masks (ASTM F2100-11, IDT). 2018; Available from: www.bsn.go.id
28. Whyte HE, Montigaud Y, Audoux E, Verhoeven P, Prier A, Leclerc L, et al. Comparison of bacterial filtration efficiency vs. particle filtration efficiency to assess the performance of non-medical face masks. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):1188.
29. Fouqueau A, Pourchez J, Leclerc L, Peyron A, Montigaud Y, Verhoeven P, et al. OPEN ACCESS Inter-laboratory Comparison between Particle and Bacterial Filtration Efficiencies of Medical Face Masks in the COVID-19 Context. Available from: https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.220252
30. Drouillard KG, Tomkins A, Lackie S, Laengert S, Baker A, Clase CM, et al. Fitted filtration efficiency and breathability of 2-ply cotton masks: Identification of cotton consumer categories acceptable for home-made cloth mask construction. PLoS One. 2022;17(3):e0264090. Available from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0264090
31. Drouillard KG, Tomkins A, Lackie S, Laengert S, Baker A, Clase CM, et al. Fitted filtration efficiency and breathability of 2-ply cotton masks: Identification of cotton consumer categories acceptable for homemade cloth mask construction. PLoS One. 2022;17(3 March).
32. Oberg T, Brosseau LM. Surgical mask filter and fit performance. Am J Infect Control. 2008;36(4):276. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC7115281/
33. Liu X, Chen R. [Relationship between Bacterial Filtration Efficiency and Non-oil Particle Filtration Efficiency in Surgical Masks]. Zhongguo Yi Liao Qi Xie Za Zhi. 2020;44(3):267–9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32621439/
34. Teo JY, Kng J, Periaswamy B, Liu S, Lim PC, Lee CE, et al. Exploring Reusability of Disposable Face Masks: Effects of Disinfection Methods on Filtration Efficiency, Breathability, and Fluid Resistance. Glob Chall. 2021;5(11). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34754506/
35. Filipić A, Fric K, Ravnikar M, Kogovšek P. Assessment of Different Experimental Setups to Determine Viral Filtration Efficiency of Face Masks. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(22). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36430072/
36. CDRH. Enforcement Policy for Face Shields, Surgical Masks, and Respirators During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency - Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff. Available from: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-05094.
37. Rengasamy S, Miller A, Eimer BC, Shaffer RE. Filtration Performance of FDA-Cleared Surgical Masks. J Int Soc Respir Prot. 2009;26(3):54. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC7357397/