Evaluation of Nine Positive Pressure Suits for Use in the Biosafety Level-4 Laboratory

Abstract

Positive pressure suits are the most recognizable feature of Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) laboratories, protecting users both through delivery of umbilical-fed HEPA-filtered air and by providing a positively pressurized microenvironment with respect to the surrounding laboratory space to minimize the possibility of exposure resulting from compromised suit integrity. While many positive pressure suits utilized in the chemical and radiation protection industries could be considered for BSL-4 use, the substantial costs and potential incompatibilities with facility settings prevent many labs from investigating novel alternatives. In the present study, 9 positive pressure suits from 5 different manufacturers were critically assessed for their suitability in the BSL-4 laboratory. Material resistance and compatibility with 5% Micro-Chem Plus™, CO 2 exposure levels, and overall user preference were assessed through a combination of objective and subjective testing. Results demonstrated that exposure to 5% Micro-Chem Plus™ had no deleterious effects on the mechanical properties of most suit materials, though some potential incompatibility was observed with butyl fabrics. Real-time monitoring of CO 2 levels inside the suits showed a great deal of variation between models, however all suits provided a microenvironment where users were exposed to CO 2 levels below 1% during normal activity and less than 2% during periods of disconnect from supply air. Finally, survey results from study participants indicated a strong preference for suits with light construction material, 360-degree visibility, high delivery airflow and gloves that require fixation by taping. By combining the present results with facility-specific factors, laboratories will be better equipped to consider new models that best suit their needs.

Comparison of intravascular access methods applied by nurses wearing personal protective equipment in simulated COVID-19 resuscitation: A randomized crossover simulation trial

“…As PPE, biosafety Level 2 suits were used, which comprise boot covers, protective overalls, inner nitrile gloves, a hood, an FFP3 mask, panoramic and self-ventilated protective goggles, and outer nitrile gloves [ 17 ].…”

Biologically-Based and Physiochemical Life Support and In Situ Resource Utilization for Exploration of the Solar System—Reviewing the Current State and Defining Future Development Needs

“…A likely way that this process could be adapted to Martian use would be the use of designated bioreactor room suits, a separate airlock that crewmembers must pass through to access the bioreactor room, and, of course, the inspection and maintenance of the suits and other associated gear, similar to the inspection of the BSL-4 labs. Current suits used by BSL-4 personnel are made of various polymers with a hydrophobic coating, such as neoprene or PVC [ 117 ]. Suits used by the crew members in maintenance and use of the bioreactor could utilize something similar—a hydrophobic material that would reduce bacterial adherence and excess moisture exposure causing suit rot.…”

Livestock and Risk Group 4 Pathogens: Researching Zoonotic Threats to Public Health and Agriculture in Maximum Containment

“… 15 A BSL-4 rating in the United States requires work to be conducted in 1 of 2 ways: within a “cabinet laboratory” where manipulation of pathogens is performed in a Class III biosafety cabinet (BSC) or in a “suit laboratory” designed for the use of positive-pressure suits with a dedicated breathing air supply. 34 Information in this review will focus on research performed in facilities utilizing suits, because cabinet laboratories do not facilitate work with livestock and have been described elsewhere. 35 Positive-pressure suits, as shown in Figure 1 , are a self-encapsulating, full-body, protective barrier with an umbilical-fed external, HEPA-filtered air supply that provide the researcher protection by 2 main functions: pressure and physical barrier.…”

“…Secondly, the robust material used to construct the suit provides a physical barrier separating the researcher from the environment within the laboratory. 34 , 36 Researchers move around the containment space by switching between available air-line connection points. When exiting the BSL-4 laboratory, a chemical shower is used to decontaminate the outside surface of the suit, typically via a 2-stage process involving disinfectant spray followed by a rinse cycle with the primary objective being the removal of gross microbial contamination.…”