Guidelines for and considerations about reuse of Face Shields Face shields are an essential type of personal protective equipment (PPE) commonly used in healthcare settings to prevent the spread infectious diseases. But the problem of whether these shields are reusable is a nuanced topic that depends on many different factors and aspects.
Needs To Be Thrown Away Immediately
Most health authorities agree single use face shields should be thrown away after a shift. This is primarily because of worries over the shield becoming contaminated and its potential protective capabilities weakening when used multiple times. Generally, face shields should not be re-used unless there is a supply crunch as may have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic 14.face shields (ad)
Context of Reuse
Where PPE shortages arise, such as during a pandemic some guidelines propose that face shields could be re-used . This, however, should only be done through rigorous protocols where the proper procedures and techniques are followed based on cleaning/disinfection manufacturer’s instructions 24. It is recommended to seek advice from infection control specialist, in situations when the guidelines are not available4.
Procedures for Cleaning and Disinfection
There are established methods for cleaning face shields, which might give those contemplating reuse something to think about as well. These include:
Users must clean their shields individually. This can mean variable levels of disinfection from person to person
Mass Disinfection: another more efficient method of cleaning multiple shields at once in a controlled environment 4.
The main drawback to both methods is that in order for the shields to stay safe for reuse, rather specific cleaning agents and protocols are needed. Making sure that you store everything correctly after cleaning is vital as to not recontaminate 14.
Ultimately, while the reuse of face shields may be unavoidable in emergency situations, it is critical to comply with stringent cleaning procedures and prioritize safety not only for healthcare workers but also patients.
