• DOI:10.1177/0194599820941838
• Corpus ID: 220518635

High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters in the Era of COVID-19: Function and Efficacy

@article{Christopherson2020HighEfficiencyPA,
  title={High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters in the Era of COVID-19: Function and Efficacy},
  author={David A Christopherson and William C. Yao and Mingming Lu and R. Vijayakumar and Ahmad R. Sedaghat},
  journal={Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery},
  year={2020},
  volume={163},
  pages={1153 - 1155}
}

• David A Christopherson, W. Yao, +2 authors A. Sedaghat
• Published 14 July 2020
• Medicine
• Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

Aerosol-generating procedures in the office represent a major concern for health care–associated infection of patients and health care providers by SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not yet provided any recommendations for the use of portable air purifiers, air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters have been discussed as an adjunctive means for decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols in health care settings. This commentary discusses HEPA filter mechanisms of action, decontamination time based on efficiency and flow rate, theoretical application to SARS-CoV-2, and limitations. HEPA filter functionality and prior guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for SARS-CoV-1 suggest theoretical efficacy for HEPA filters to decontaminate airborne SARS-CoV-2, although direct studies for SARS-CoV-2 have not been performed. Any portable HEPA purifier utilization for SARS-CoV-2 should be considered an adjunctive infection control measure and undertaken with knowledge of HEPA filter functionality and limitations in mind.