There are several supply considerations for ASCs and outpatient facilities resuming services during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Infection Control Consulting Services.
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.
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