A quick laboratory method for assessment of blood penetration and splash resistance of PPE fabrics during the COVID-19 pandemic situation

In the current outbreak of COVID-19, healthcare facilities are hit by a shortage of supply of Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) owing to extensive local and global demands and restrictions on their import or export. To circumvent this, trials with several indigenous materials suitable to qualify for PPEs and sterilisation techniques for their reuse are being carried out. Prior to their commercialisation or reuse, it is imperative to evaluate the resistance of the PPE-fabrics against penetration of synthetic blood under applied pressure in the range of 40 - 300 mmHg as per test standards. Generally, two types of tests are recommended, namely, the Penetration Test and Splash Resistance Test, the former being more stringent. While the final certification of PPEs is carried out by authorised agencies, a first impression quick estimate of the choice of fabric can be made by using a simple laboratory set up. This study describes set ups developed in the laboratory to carry out these tests. Evaluation of the fabrics, post-gamma irradiation, was also carried out. Microscopic examinations were performed to investigate radiation induced structural changes in fabrics showing degraded performance. The developed set ups are useful for selection of fabrics and to assess the feasibility of reuse of PPEs, which is the need of the hour in this pandemic situation.