Health Technology Research in Brazil
Anais Online do "Health Technology Research in Brazil: Challenges for the New Decade"

Background: N95 respiratory protection masks are used by healthcare professionals to prevent contamination with infectious microorganisms transmitted by droplets or aerosols. Methods: We conducted a rapid review of the literature analyzing the effectiveness of decontamination methods for mask reuse. The review was carried out in September 2020 using a simplification of the formal systematic review process, which simplified the stages of a complete systematic review, including the exclusion of an assessment of study methodology. Results: A total of 563 articles were retrieved of which 48 laboratory-based studies were selected. Fifteen decontamination methods were included in the studies. Hydrogen peroxide was evaluated by 19 laboratory studies, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation by 21, ethylene oxide by 4, dry heat by 11, moist heat by 9, ethanol by 5, isopropanol solution by 2, microwave oven by 11, sodium hypochlorite by 10, autoclave by 7, electric rice cooker by 3, cleaning wipes by 1, bar soap and water 1, multi-Purpose High-Level Disinfection Cabinet by 1 and chlorine dioxide by 1. Five methods appear promising: hydrogen peroxide vapor, ultraviolet irradiation, dry heat, wet heat/pasteurization, and microwave ovens. Conclusions: Positive results should be considered with caution as they represent a small number of studies, reflect ideal laboratory conditions, and may have limited applicability in realistic situations and for health systems.