Splash Resistance Pressure Test: Medical Mask

What Does Splash Resistance Pressure Express in Medical Masks?

Importance of Splash Resistance Pressure Testing

Medical masks, especially used by healthcare workers, are designed to provide protection against droplets carrying blood, body fluids or other microorganisms. Therefore, the mask is expected to be resistant to splashes of liquids. The splash resistance pressure test is a test that measures the mask's ability to block liquids and aerosols from passing from the outside to the inside.

The purpose of the test is to measure the mask's level of resistance to liquid splashes, helping to protect users, especially in surgical environments where liquids come into direct contact. These resistance levels of masks are of great importance for healthcare workers and patients, as splashes are a major risk factor in the spread of infections.

The splash resistance test performed on medical masks is a test performed to determine the resistance of the mask against blood-borne pathogens. In the splash resistance test method, high velocity constant volume synthetic blood is splashed into the center of the mask to determine whether the mask acts as a barrier.

Applicable standards with international validity when performing splash resistance tests on medical masks:

ASTM F1862: Standard Test Method for Resistance of Medical Face Masks to Penetration by Synthetic Blood
ISO 22609: Medical face masks - Test method for resistance to penetration of synthetic blood (constant volume, horizontally projected)
ASTM F2100: Standard Specification for the Performance of Materials Used in Medical Face Masks
EN 14683: Medical face masks - Requirements and test methods

Splash Resistance Pressure Test Methods

The splash resistance pressure test is a test performed under a specific liquid and pressure. This test is performed by splashing liquid on the outer surface of the mask and evaluating whether there is liquid passage to the inside of the mask. The basic steps of the relevant test are as follows:

Test Preparation:

A special liquid is used for the test. Usually this liquid represents body fluids or chemicals that are to be simulated on the mask. This liquid may be water-based and have a specific viscosity.
A certain pressure and distance is set to splash the liquid on the outer surface of the mask. The splash is made on a test platform where the mask is placed at a certain angle.

Splash Pressure Application:

Liquid is splashed onto the mask under a specified pressure and from a specified distance. This pressure is usually a constant value, such as 80 mmHg or 120 mmHg, but may vary according to specific standards and mask type.
The liquid is applied to the surface of the mask at a certain speed. After the splash, the inside of the mask is examined for any fluid migration.

Evaluation:

The inside of the mask is carefully checked to see if liquid has passed through. If liquid passes through the inside of the mask, the mask is considered to be insufficiently liquid-tight.
If liquid does not penetrate the mask, the mask is considered to be sufficiently resistant to liquid splashes.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Medical Device Analysis.

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