Surgical face masks and downward dispersal of bacteria

@article{Mclure1998SurgicalFM,
  title={Surgical face masks and downward dispersal of bacteria},
  author={H. A. Mclure and C. A. Talboys and Steve M. Yentis and B S Azadian},
  journal={Anaesthesia},
  year={1998},
  volume={53}
}
The ability of face masks to prevent forward dispersal of bacteria is offset by the possibility that they may increase vertical shedding of bacteria from the face during facial movement. To investigate this, a blood agar plate was placed 30 cm directly below the lips of 20 volunteers who were encouraged to talk for 20 min while moving their heads from side to side, without a face mask for the first 5 min and then with a standard, soft pleated face mask for the subsequent 15 min. The agar plates… 
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80 Citations
Highly Influential Citations
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Methods Citations
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Results Citations
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80 Citations

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To reduce the risks of contamination of the sterile field when face masks are worn females and bearded males should avoid wiggling the face mask.
Potential impact of oral flora dispersal on patients wearing face masks when undergoing ophthalmologic procedures
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This study showed no difference in bacterial dispersion towards the ocular surface when comparing no face mask, a surgical face mask without tape or a surgicalface mask with tape.
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During simulated intravitreous injection, wearing a face mask or remaining silent significantly decreases culture plate contamination from talking, which should encourage patients to minimize speech during the procedure.
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Face masks significantly decreased bacterial dispersal initially but became almost ineffective after two hours of use, and there was no significant difference between cotton fabric and two ply disposable masks.
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Operating masks were shown to have a significant effect on the volume of bacterial organisms falling to the operative site; however, whether this is clinically significant is unknown.
Disposable surgical face masks for preventing surgical wound infection in clean surgery.
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It is unclear whether the wearing of surgical face masks by members of the surgical team has any impact on surgical wound infection rates for patients undergoing clean surgery.
Understanding the factors involved in determining the bioburdens of surgical masks.
TLDR
Multiple factors influence SM bioburden, and surgical mask C is not recommended to be used, especially considering that surgeons do not wash the cloth masks daily.
Contamination of the Surgical Field: What Does the Published Research Say about Face Masks?
TLDR
Peggy Edwards presents the results of her review of the literature on the face mask debate and suggests that the wearing of face masks during surgical procedures for maximum patient protection should be re-educated.
A survey of Alberta physicians' use of and attitudes toward face masks and face shields in the operating room setting.
Clinical Relevance of Masks in the Operating Room? A Systematic Review
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References

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TLDR
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