FDA updates recommendations for O&M Halyard FluidShield surgical N95 masks. See revised guidance for health system.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revised its recommendations for certain O&M Halyard N95 surgical and pediatric masks that enables use of some inventory. Penn State Health has updated its guidance for employees and College of Medicine clinicians and researchers who use O&M Halyard FluidShield surgical N95 respirators:

• Employees who are fit-tested with the Regular Halyard Duckbill N95 masks (Model 46727) can resume using them to perform tasks requiring respiratory protection when fluid barrier protection against splashes, sprays or splatter is not needed.
  • Note: Employees working in settings where exposure to liquids, bodily or hazardous fluids may occur should use a face shield in addition to the Regular Halyard Duckbill N95 (Model 46727) to perform tasks requiring respiratory protection.
• Employees who are fit-tested with the Small Halyard respirators (Model 46827) should stop using them immediately. Alternate respiratory protections options include:
  • Powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) if available.
  • Access PAPR training in Compass, if needed
  • 3M N95 respirators
• Employees who haven’t been fit-tested on a 3M N95 must be fit-tested on a 3M N95 prior to performing tasks requiring respiratory protection.

Penn State Health contacts for 3M N95 fit tests, by entity:

• Hampden and Holy Spirit medical centers: Mandi Martin, Safety; Heather Wissler, Employee Health; and Denise Cutting, Infection Prevention
• Hershey Medical Center, its affiliated outpatient practices and Penn State College of Medicine: Kevin Myers, Safety; Sue Mattei, Employee Health; and Weston Becker, Infection Prevention
• Lancaster Medical Center: Stacey Bowers, Safety; Melanie Bono, Employee Health; and Christine Gaylord, Infection Prevention
• St. Joseph Medical Center: Stacey Bowers, Safety; Melanie Bono, Employee Health; and Mari Driscoll, Infection Prevention
• Medical Group: Kevin Myers, Safety; Melanie Bono, Employee Health; and Marla Nicolodi, Infection Prevention

If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email Penn State Health Marketing & Communications.