Baptist Health using robots to disinfect N95 masks during COVID-19

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Baptist Health System is now using robots to disinfect N95 masks during COVID-19, as a response to the nationwide shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 crisis.

QUICK NOTES:

• Baptist Health System is one of the first in the region to do this.
• It’s implemented in four in-patient areas dealing with COVID-19.
• While the Xenex robot is not new, the way it’s being used is. This robot was previously used to sterilize operations rooms, and the technology has proven it can break down pathogens, including the coronavirus.
• After a medical worker’s shift, they will place their mask in a brown paper bag and place it on a cart. The cart will be taken to a private room. The masks will be hung on wire shelving, resembling a clothing line. After a five-minute disinfection cycle, the masks are rotated. This allows the entire surface to be decontaminated.
• In each cycle, the hospital can clean 150 masks. The process takes 30 minutes total, including hanging the masks.
• This is an initiative aimed conserving personal protective equipment (PPE).

© 2020 Cox Media Group