Surgical hoods

Types of surgical hoods

surgical hoods come in various forms and are meant to protect healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, technicians, and, specifically, surgeons from infectious agents. Various surgical hoods include the following.

Surgical hoods with face shields

Face shields provide extra protection by covering the face's front, and the hoods are usually operated together with other personal protective equipment (PPE), like surgical gloves and masks, for total protection. They are frequently used in surgical or any other related medical operation. In such cases, protection from blood or other possible splatter that may contain infectious materials is needed.

Hoods with splash protection

Surgical hoods with splash protection are mainly employed in healthcare settings with a high risk of fluid exposure, such as during surgeries, laboratory activities, or when working with hazardous substances. These hoods are designed to cover and protect the wearer's head, neck, and shoulders from biological liquids like blood, vomit, urine, and water or hazardous chemical spills.

Powered surgical hoods

A powered surgical hood is a respirator to supply filtered air to the user when regular face masks cannot provide sufficient protection. These hoods contain an inbuilt fan that draws ambient air, passing it through high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters before delivering it into the hood. This creates a positive pressure that helps prevent contaminated air from entering the space.

Surgical hoods without face shields

A surgical hood without a face shield is more basic in that it only covers the head and hair without an integrated face shield or visor. These hoods are commonly used when there is less risk of splashes or airborne particles, such as general surgical or sterile procedure.

Specifications and maintenance of surgical hoods

Technical specifications and key features

• Filtration efficiency: The efficiency ratings of the filters on surgical hoods indicate the percentage of particulate that the filter can capture. Filter materials used include HEPA or ULPA filters. HEPA filters should capture 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size.
• Comfort and ergonomics: Comfort becomes more important as surgical hoods are anticipated to be worn for long hours. They should have no pressure points or allow for adjustments in their size to attain the desired fit. Lightweighthoods reduce fatigue while still standard in many surgical masks.
• Noise level: This is specifically for powered surgical hoods; the noise level is important in procedures requiring communication or concentration. Hoods with low noise are more comfortable and less disruptive.
• Seal and fit: The performing surgical hoods should be closely examined to check for a good seal with the user's head. Any gaps may cause contamination by allowing contaminated air to enter the hood.
• Breathability: Another key feature of surgical hoods is that they should allow easy airflow without compromising the required filtration efficiency. Breathable and easy-to-wear hoods are critical when worn for lengthy periods since they reduce overheating and discomfort.

Maintenance and care for surgical hoods

Proper care and maintenance are vital in ensuring that surgical hoods are kept in correct working conditions at all times. They must also be replaced regularly. Maintenance and care for surgical hoods include the following.

• Regular inspection: Before every use, inspect surgical hoods for any holes, tears, or damage. Pay special attention to the filters and sealing components of powered hoods since damage may decrease their effectiveness. Filters should be checked for physical damage, like holes or wear, or when there is accumulation or deposition of dust on the filter surface that one is unable to see through.
• Cleaning and disinfection: A general rule of thumb for surgical clothing is that it should be disposed of after use. On the other hand, powered hoods can be reused after proper cleansing as per manufacturer's instructions.
• Filter replacement:It's important to follow filter replacement guidelines, particularly for powered hoods. Remove the old filters and install new ones as prescribed by the manufacturer. Filter frequency of exchange will depend on the usage and intensity of the conditions.
• Storage: Store surgical hoods in dry condition and free from dust, heat, and moisture to prevent their degradation. A convenient place to store them will be in a dry, cool, ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, dust, and any other sources of heat.
• Testing for fit: For surgical hoods that require close fitting, test them before use. Functional tests should be performed to assess the quality of the seal and the fit, and the hoods should be worn properly according to the manufacturers' instructions on how to wear them correctly.

How to choose surgical hoods

• Comfort: Comfort generally extends to how efficiently surgical hoods can be worn for an extended duration without causing undue discomfort to the user. Features such as adjustable bands, breathable fabric, and lightweight designs contribute significantly to the overall comfort level of the user.
• Field of use: There is a need to choose the appropriate surgical hood for the expertise or field. For example, surgical hoods used in surgery, like caps for operating theatre personnel, should have a tight seal and high filtration efficiency, like HEPA filters.
• Certification and standards: To guarantee safety and efficiency, surgical hoods must meet set standards and obtain certified endorsements. Respiratory protective equipment that meets NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) requirements or OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) endorsement is considered effective and safe for use in areas with hazards.
• Durability: Factor in the quality of the materials used in the construction of the surgical hood and its durability. These hoods are made to stand up to hard situations, including spills, hazardous compounds, and extreme temperatures. Durable hoods might guarantee that the piece of equipment performs much longer and requires less frequent replacements, which is fantastic in settings where such equipment is subjected to heavy use.
• Filter type and efficiency: A good surgical hood should have a quality filter system. HEPA filters are frequently utilized in healthcare settings since they can capture particles of 99.97% that are 0.3 microns in size. The type of filter that is incorporated into the hood will have a huge impact on the level of protection that is offered against airborne contaminants.

Q&A

Q1: What material are surgical hoods made of?

A1: Most surgical hoods are produced using non-woven fabric created by thermally bonding or mechanically reshaping fibers in the manufacture of fabric. Because they are light and comfortable, non-woven fabrics are a popular option in healthcare settings. Although they are breathable, splash-resistant fabrics limit liquid penetration.

Q2: Can surgical hoods be washed?

A2: Washing is not recommended for disposable surgical hoods. However, there are various types of surgical hoods, such as powered or reusable hoods, that can be washed. Follow washing instructions from the manufacturer concerning the particular products.

Q3: What are surgical hoods made for?

A3: Surgical hoods are used to protect wearers from direct exposure to contaminants, providing a barrier to prevent contact with splashes, aerosols, and particulate matter to enhance safety in healthcare environments.

Q4: How is filtration efficiency of surgical hoods determined?

A4: The efficiency of filtration for surgical hoods is evaluated by the percentage of particulate that passes through the filter. High-efficiency filters such as HEPA capture 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns.

Q5: Are there comfort features in surgical hoods for long-term wear?

A5: Comfort features include adjustable fasteners, breathable fabrics, lightweight designs, and ergonomic forms that decrease pressure points. They also offer powered air-purifying respirators to ventilate and supply air to the hood, which improves comfort through better humidity and temperature control.