WVU Medicine employees are reminded that there’s a difference between a surgical mask and procedure mask.
A surgical mask is used inside the operating room or within other sterile procedure areas to protect the patient environment from contamination. It also protects the clinician from contaminated fluid or debris generated during the procedure. Surgical masks have ties so that they can be adjusted for fit, and are tied over top of a surgical cap or a bouffant cap.
A procedure mask is used when performing patient procedures, or when patients are in isolation to protect them from potential contaminants. Procedure masks are used to protect both patients and staff from the transfer of respiratory secretions, fluids, or other debris. They prevent clinicians, patients, and visitors from spreading germs when talking, coughing, or sneezing. Procedure masks have ear loops for quick donning, and since they do not slide on the hair, they can be worn without a surgical cap.
Staff who work in patient care areas should only wear hospital-supplied surgical and procedure masks; they should not wear homemade or purchased masks, as these are not intended for medical use.
Visit this link to learn more about medical face protection standards: https://www.primed.ca/clinical-resources/astm-mask-protection-standards/