Research
The Effect of Wearing an N95 Mask on the Blood Gas Values of Healthcare Providers
Author(s): Sharafaldeen Bin Nafisah*, Abdulqader Susi, Ebrahim Alsaif, Mazen Alqasmi and Bandr Mzahim
Background: The use of N95 masks by Healthcare Providers (HCPs) has increased throughout the COVID-19
pandemic. Thus, the question arises as to whether wearing this type of mask influences the concentration of carbon
dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) in the blood. Methods: We analyzed CO2 and O2 concentrations, measured in millimeter
mercury. Our inclusion criteria were as follows: wearing N95 mask continuously for four hours, and working in an
acute care setting that mandates continuous physical activity. Excluded were those who interrupted the four hours
and those who voluntarily quit the study. We measured the partial pressure of CO2 and O2 from venous blood samples
taken before and after wearing the N95 mask. Results: The total number of participants i.. Read More»
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