ABSTRACT
This white paper summarizes the key outcomes, topics, and recommendations from the Canada-India Healthcare Summit 2021 Conference, Biotechnology Session, held on May 20-21, 2021. In particular, the authors have focused their attention on topics ranging from research and development into the etiology and treatment of COVID-19 to novel approaches, such as ultraviolet-C disinfection and cell and gene therapy. The paper also deals with important topics around the effects of food distribution and nutrition on COVID-19 and vice versa, as well as key considerations around research and development, innovation, policy, grants, and incentives, and finally, summarizes the ways in which Canada and India, being close allies, have already begun to partner to fight the pandemic (as well as future strategies to continue this excellent progress). We also include key points raised during the summit and summarize them as part of this white paper.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The shortage of single-use N95 respirator masks (NRMs) during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has prompted consideration of NRM recycling to extend limited stocks by healthcare providers and facilities. AIM: To assess potential reuse via autoclaving of NRMs worn daily in a major urban Canadian hospital. METHODS: NRM reusability was assessed following collection from volunteer staff after 2-8 h use, sterilization by autoclaving and PortaCount fit testing. A workflow was developed for reprocessing hundreds of NRMs daily. FINDINGS: Used NRMs passed fit testing after autoclaving once, with 86% passing a second reuse/autoclave cycle. A separate cohort of used masks pre-warmed before autoclaving passed fit testing. To recycle 200-1000 NRMs daily, procedures for collection, sterilization and re-distribution were developed to minimize particle aerosolization risk during NRM handling, to reject NRM showing obvious wear, and to promote adoption by staff. NRM recovery ranged from 49% to 80% across 12 collection cycles. CONCLUSION: Reuse of NRMs is feasible in major hospitals and other healthcare facilities. In sharp contrast to studies of unused NRMs passing fit testing after 10 autoclave cycles, we show that daily wear substantially reduces NRM fit, limiting reuse to a single cycle, but still increasing NRM stocks by â¼66%. Such reuse requires development of a comprehensive plan that includes communication across staffing levels, from front-line workers to hospital administration, to increase the collection, acceptance of and adherence to sterilization processes for NRM recovery.