Singh Thattha technique to pass facemask fit test - Sikh Doctors and Dentists Pilot Study Success

[@boroniavic]

Thank you to the Sikh Doctors Association and others that have worked toward this innovative health solution while protecting the dignity of health professionals worldwide. Your work has changed healthcare in Australia.

[@travn1231]

For even those that are clean shaven and working 12+ hour shifts beard stubble can grow enough in that time to reduce the effectiveness of the seal. Also there are men that can't shave because of irritation to the skin or can't shave frequently such as the case that would require shaving twice a day to maintain an optimum seal.. I've seen in another video a disposable balaclava used made for clinical purposes. Thanks to the Doctors that came up with this method.

[@jamesmiddleton1278]

Much more information is now available - check Google Scholar. If we can't get inequities in the workforce sorted then something is wrong. Great news.

[@paulsalisbury955]

This is a very interesting PILOT STUDY and it shows that it MAY be possible to use a Singh Thattha as a means of improving the fit of a tight fitting facepeice for respirator wearers with a beard; however it should be noted that this is a PILOT STUDY and it is not yet an approved method of achieving suitable protection. Much more work needs to be done, especially to demonstrate repeatability and reliability of donning techniques and fit. I very much look forward to seeing the results of further studies into this technique.

[@ben_3256]

if it passes the tests then it passes the tests...

[@K.F.L]

​@@ben_3256Passing tests basically means very little. Like OP said , and even 3 years on , this technique requires more studies / research / reviews.

[@rpsingh9152]

Hi am in construction industry wana try this technique for fit test. Can you please tell me, where I can get these elastic bands?

[@absbse]

How can I get this information to show to the NHS, they have asked me to shave completely but I cannot due to religious reasons can you please help

[@absbse]

I went for a fit test and tried to use this technique but the fit testers did not let me

[@paulsalisbury955]

Abs, this technique has not been approved by the UK HSE. As described, this was a PILOT STUDY to check feasability of the technique, much, much more research is required before it will be accepted as a methodology and any competent fit tester should be refusing to conduct a fit test using this method other than for research and testing. Always ensure you read, understand and follow the user instructions for the respiratory protection system you are using and if it is tight fitting you must ensure there is nothing interfering with the seal of the mask otherwise it is likely not going to provide the expected or required level of protection - YOU may be putting YOUR health at risk if you do not follow the manufacture instructions!

[@fishelbresler9418]

@@paulsalisbury955 The testers at my hospital didn't want to consider it at first, but then finally realized that if the seal passes the test, it passes the test. They allowed me to test, and it worked. The requirements were the same as they use for all the other workers (qualitative but not quantitative test). I used the method for the three and a half months that N95s were required at that hospital, and all I can say is that I never became sick, nor was there ever a suspicion that I might have spread an infection to anyone else. I hear what you are saying about lack of extensive studies of the method. However, in the current C19 environment, you may note that several approaches or products have been "fast-tracked,' due to the extreme shortage of healthcare workers. That is why it is worth considering this approach before the multi-year process of multiple studies is finished.

[@Mo15125]

@@fishelbresler9418 I live in Dublin, and have my FFP2 fit test on Friday, could you PLS tell me where I can get this exact band… is there a specific band required, or can I use a general physio band as well? I really need to get my hands on it ASAP.