The particulate filtration efficiency (PFE) test is used to determine the effectiveness of surgical masks and N95 respirators in filtering out particles of a certain size.
The PFE test for the surgical masks is now a widely used test that measures the percentage of particles that are filtered out of the air when the mask is worn properly. The test is conducted using a particle size of 0.1 microns, which is approximately the size of a virus. The minimum requirement for PFE in surgical masks is typically around 95% for Class 2 and for Class 3 it should be 98%
With regard to N95 respirators, the PFE test measures that when masks is worn properly, the percentage of particles that are filtered out of the air. The test is conducted using a particle size of 0.3 microns, which is approximately the size of a small droplet that can carry a virus. In Viridian lab we are measuring PFE with the state of the art imported equipment’s from US that offers precision and accurate reading while measuring PFE of the mask. The regulatory bodies like European union and USFDA has made it mandatory that masks must undergo PFE test and it also offers the manufacturers an advantage for marketing and advertising their products as it offers them distinct advantages over locally made products of similar class available in the local market
While doing the marketing of N95, KN95, FFP2, and FFP3 particulate respirators, the PFE test is often used as a way to demonstrate the product’s effectiveness in filtering out particles. These masks are specially designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles and are commonly used in medical practices that offers the patient, healthcare workers optimum protection in a healthcare set up like hospitals, isolation wards and nursing homes. In the industrial and construction settings where there is a risk of exposure to airborne particles, valved mask is more commonly used in mines, heavy industries etc. along with other PPE protection devices like safety helmets and googles and protection suits. Recent EN149/ IS 9473 standards state that a good N95 FFP2 particulate respirator should have 98% efficiency in filtering out airborne particles and pathogens
Overall, the PFE test plays a crucial role in the marketing and regulation of N95, KN95, FFP2, and FFP3 particulate respirators.
