New CDC guidelines on Ebola PPE procedures

NY Times PPE comparison

1. Original PPE recommendations from CDC
2. New Minimum PPE (level-2) N-95, tyvek jump suit, water resistant gown, booties at calf height, double gloves, detachable hood, face shield.  Croc footwear optional 
3. Full PPE (level -3)  Water Impermeable, tear resistant suit - HEPA PAPR, taped durable gloves, suit and booties.

CDC combined the best practices from hospitals successfully treating patients at Emory, Nebraska and NIH with the protocols used by Doctors without Boarders. 

Key points via
John Hick, MD 
Emergency Medicine MC 825
Hennepin County Medical Center

1. simple masks no longer recommended - N95 or PAPR only (so this does require fit-testing unless PAPR is used - this is probably the biggest surprise of the document though a good move - but for public safety agencies may be an issue)
2. all skin covered
3. hood to cover head (but not hood integrated into suit due to issues with traction from suit that can cause gapping at forehead apparently)
4. aprons to be worn when dealing with significant body fluids
5. emphasis on monitoring of PPE process - note that monitor is also to be in PPE (minus respiratory protection)
6. gowns must cover to calf
7. note footwear issues - some have recommended crocs for comfort and ease of cleaning as opposed to boots.  

CDC guideline summary

NY Times summary of updated PPE procedures

CBS News Comparison of PPE levels - This was done prior to the CDC revision.





PPE procedure for  Medical workers in Abola treatment areas - WSJ  approx. 2 min.