Quantitative Fit Test

Ambient Aerosol (Portacount)

QNFT measures ambient air levels without dependence on a test subject's voluntary or involuntary response to the challenge agent.

The instrumentation is typically capable of measuring fit factors of 10,000 and higher. Respirators that require a fit factor above 100 must be fit tested using QNFT.

A probed respirator has a special fitting installed on the face piece designed to connect with the end of the test instrument's plastic sampling tube so that air samples can be taken inside the face piece.

The test instrument will automatically stop and calculate the overall fit factor. Use this result to determine whether or not the test is passed.

Any tight-fitting respirator including N95, P2 and P1 respirator's can be tested.

This instrument uses laser technology to count microscopic particles that always exist in the air, and use those particles to directly measure respirator fit factors.

No fit factor limit, precise, faster, hard copy documentation of results, and little chance for error.

There are no irritating tastes or smells that the employee has to decipher.

Preparing and administering Ambient Aerosol Test takes little time.

Qualitative Fit Test's

Isoamyl Acetate (Banana Oil) Vapor

The success of this test depends on preserving the employee's odor sensitivity to Isoamyl Acetate vapor.

Vapor accumulations in ambient air can decrease odor sensitivity.

Due to odor sensitivity this test has a possibility of being inaccurate, giving the Proctor the wrong results of the fit test.

Preparing and administering IAA Vapor test takes a considerable amount of time.

The IAA Vapor Test subjects employee to odors that they dislike.

Saccharin Aerosol

Taste threshold screening determines whether the employee being tested can detect the taste of Saccharin.

The employee must NOT eat, smoke, chew gum or drink anything but plain water for at least fifteen minutes BEFORE the fit test.

Sweet foods or drink consumed before the test may make the employee unable to detect Saccharin during screening.

Due to taste sensitivity this test has a possibility of being inaccurate giving the Proctor the wrong results of the fit test.

Preparing and administering Saccharin Aerosol test takes a considerable amount of time.

The Saccharin Aerosol Test subjects employee to tastes that they dislike.

Irritant Smoke (Stannic Chloride)

Sensitivity screening is necessary to determine whether the employee can detect a weak concentration of irritant smoke AND whether any gross face piece leakage is detected.

During this test an employee is exposed to irritating smoke containing hydrochloric acid produced by a stannic chloride ventilation smoke tube to detect leakage.

The smoke will irritate eyes, lungs, and nasal passages.

Employee sensitivity varies, and certain employees may respond more intensely than others exposed to irritant smoke.

The individual conducting the fit test must take precautions to minimize the employee's exposure to irritant smoke.

Must conduct fit testing in an area with adequate ventilation to prevent exposure of the individual conducting the fit test and build-up of irritant smoke in the ambient air.

Due to sensitivity this test has a possibility of being inaccurate giving the Proctor the wrong results of the fit test.

Preparing and administering Irritant Smoke Test takes a considerable amount of time.

Bitrex Aerosol

Bitrex (denatonium benzoate) is routinely used as a taste aversion agent in household liquids that children should not drink and is endorsed by the American Medical Association, the National Safety council, and the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

The employee must NOT eat, smoke, chew gum or drink anything but plain water for at least fifteen minutes BEFORE the fit test.

Taste threshold screening determines whether the employee being tested can detect the taste of Bitrex.

Due to sensitivity this test has a possibility of being inaccurate giving the Proctor the wrong results of the fit test.

Preparing and administering the Bitrex Aerosol Test takes a considerable amount of time.