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Review
. 2016;13(4):235-42.
doi: 10.1080/15459624.2015.1095302.

Face shields for infection control: A review

Raymond J Roberge  1
Affiliations
Review

Face shields for infection control: A review

Raymond J Roberge. J Occup Environ Hyg. 2016.

Abstract

Face shields are personal protective equipment devices that are used by many workers (e.g., medical, dental, veterinary) for protection of the facial area and associated mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) from splashes, sprays, and spatter of body fluids. Face shields are generally not used alone, but in conjunction with other protective equipment and are therefore classified as adjunctive personal protective equipment. Although there are millions of potential users of face shields, guidelines for their use vary between governmental agencies and professional societies and little research is available regarding their efficacy.

Keywords: Face shields; guidance; infection control; proper use; regulations.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Half face piece face shield with eyewear-like temple bars (Figure courtesy of the CDC).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Frontal (a) and lateral (b) views of a reusable face/neck length face shield with brow cap, top band, and ratchet adjustment.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Disposable one-piece face/neck length face shield visor assembly with foam forehead cushion and elastic strap.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Surgical face mask with integral visor (Figure courtesy of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Talikwa L.: Facing up to wearing facial protection equipment. Managing Inf. Control 2:3–8 (2002).
    1. International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) : “Draft ISEA 119: Standard for eye and Face Protection against Biological Hazards.” Available at https://safetyequipment.org/userfiles/File/Background_statement.pdf (accessed July 14, 2015).
    1. Mitchell A.H.: A retrospect: PPE use then and now. Infect. Control Today 18:32–35 (2014).
    1. U.S. Patent Office : “Ellen Dempsey. Patent 737, 591. Sanitary Face Shield. 1903. ” Available at http://docs.google.com/viewer?url=patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pd... (accessed July 14, 2015).
    1. U.S. Patent Office : “James H. Bolker Patent 3,943,575. Comfortable Surgical Hood. 1976. ” Available at https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/p... (accessed July 14, 2015).

MeSH terms