Choose Safe and genuine PPE kits to combat COVID-19
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has become an important subject during the current coronavirus pandemic. There is an urgent need for high quality, standardised PPE kits around the globe in this coronavirus pandemic. As per WHO (World Health Organisation), this pandemic has hit over 22,000 healthcare workers across 52 countries and regions.
PPE kits – utility in COVID-19
The rational use of PPE kits safeguards the Frontline workers in health care and home care settings by minimizing the exposure to the deadly virus. Components of PPE include glove, gown, mask, head cover, eye guard and shoe cover. PPE kits are mandatorily needed in quarantine centres, hospitals, laboratories, primary healthcare and community settings and point of entries. PPE kits are presently in great demand in India, as many areas of the country have reported an alarming rate of COVID-19 cases. The encouraging news is, in quick time, India has become 2nd largest manufacturer of PPE kits in the world.
ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research) regulatory information on PPE kits
The following are the recommendations on behalf of the ICMR for PPE kits.
Gloves
• Nitrile
• Non-sterile
• Powder free
• Different sizes
• Quality compliant
• Outer gloves preferably reach mid forearm
Shoe Covers
• Made up of the same fabric as of overall
• Should cover the entire shoe and reach above ankles
N95 masks
• High Filtration efficiency
• Good breathability with expiratory valve
• Shape that will not collapse early
• Can be worn with full face shield
• Fluid resistance
• Quality compliant with standards for medical N95 respirator
Face Shield
• Made of clear plastic and provides good visibility to both the wearer and the patient
• Fog resistant
• Completely covers the sides and length of the face
• May be disposable or reusable
• Adjustable band to attach firmly around the head and fit snuggly against the forehead
• Quality compliant
PPE kit classification
There are three categories of PPE kits available based on the end level users. In the household section, basic PPE kits (Class 3) are essential for housekeeping and associated work. For doctors and nurses engaged in OPDs and IPDs, the medium level PPE kits (Class 5) are mandatory whereas those who are specifically deputed in ICU duty, need the advanced ones (Class 6). The end-user costs vary category wise, coming up with requisite changes in specification and protection level subsequently. Companies like Remidio Innovative Solutions, which give maximum emphasis on compassion, innovation and trust and a global pioneer in AI-enabled modern ophthalmology, are providing ICMR approved high-quality PPE kits under brand Remisafe, visit: https://store.remidio.com .
Key advantages of Remisafe PPE kits
• Very light material which doesn’t restrict the freedom of movement
• Guaranteed 100% cleanliness
• Excellent protective properties
• Long service life
• No washing, maintenance or repair costs
• Low purchase costs
• Small size and low weight (minimum space required for storage)
• Simple disposal process
PPE kits – case study
The effectiveness of PPE Kits against coronavirus has already being supported by several case studies.
A UNICEF time-series data over the period January – May indicates that there has been an increasing demand of face masks in April, the peak phase of COVID-19 in several areas of Europe including Italy, Spain, France and other countries. In India too, the scenario is no different either and the demand is at an all-time high.
While procuring PPE kits online, enough care has to be taken to check and verify whether standard infection control procedures are in place or not. For Healthcare workers, the probability of cross-infection is also manifold. Thus focus should be on buying genuine PPE kits at market price.