Conceptualizing a novel Hybrid Decontamination System (HDS) based on UV/H(2)O(2) treatment for the enhanced decontamination and reuse of N95 FFRs

The ongoing Pandemic of COVID-19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has severely stressed the worldwide healthcare system and has created dangerous shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) including N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). Even though suppliers struggled to meet global demand for N95 masks at an unprecedented level, a shortage of FFR appears as a significant factor in the transmission of the disease to frontline workers. CDC, USA has mentioned that FFR decontamination and reuse may be necessary during times of shortage to ensure guaranteed availability. Hence present stressed condition faced by the healthcare sector seeks for an affordable decontamination strategy that can be replicated easily broadening the utility of FFR decontamination across a range of healthcare settings. After reviewing available literature on the various disinfection techniques that may be used for the decontamination of FFRs, a first of its kind, portable Hybrid Decontamination System/procedure has been conceptualized and designed. This system combines the disinfecting properties of both vaporous hydrogen peroxide (VHP) and ultra-violet C irradiation (UV C) to ensure maximum decontamination of N95 respirators. The instrument will be equipped with a hydrogen peroxide chamber and UV light source. Sterilization of the FFRs will be done through treatment with VHP followed by UV light treatment. The proposed system will allow the user to completely sterilize the FFRs in a time-efficient manner.