Qualitative or Quantitative Fit Testing?
All our fit testers and trainers are Fit2Fit accredited for Qualitative and Quantitative (APC) fit testing.
Fit Testing – Quantitative Tests
Quantitative (Portacount, APC) fit testing can be used to fit test all types of tight-fitting masks including disposable, half and full face masks. Quantitative tests give an objective assessment of facial fit and provide a direct numerical result called a Fit Factor.
The most widely-used Quantitative fit testing method is the Ambient Particle Counting method (the TSI PortaCount). The PortaCount measures the ratio of particles inside and outside the facepiece and provides a numerical result called a Fit Factor.
FitPro Ultra software provides a seamless interface with the Portacount and manages fit test reports, retest frequency as well as providing diagnostics of fit test failures.
As in all other methods, the wearer should perform a series of exercises during the fit testing procedure (see INDG 479 Protocols for more details on test exercises and pass levels).
Fit Testing – Qualitative Tests
Qualitative fit testing relies on the wearer’s taste response to detect face seal leakage of a strong-tasting challenge agent (Bitter or Sweet).
Qualitative fit tests require the same seven-test exercise protocol as other methods as described in INDG 479, but can only be employed for fit testing of filtering facepieces (disposable masks) and half masks, not full face masks. This method involves a ‘Sensitivity Test’ and ‘Fit Test’ step which must both be conducted with the same test agent.
Click here to find out more information on Qualitative fit test kits, spares and top-up solutions.
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