Student N95 Fit Testing

Expectations and Information

We ask our academic partners to fit-test their students and provide them with a supply of N95 respirators, along with a use and reuse policy that aligns with CDC guidelines. If a partner is unable to supply N95s or complete fit-testing, students may access these services through St. Luke’s Occupational Health.

Students, staff, and contractors are currently required to wear N95s for:

  • All aerosol generating procedures (AGPs)
    • Because most students may be involved in aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs), they must be properly equipped with N95 respirators. Without them, students will not be able to participate in the care of patients undergoing these procedures.
  • COVID-19-positive or rule-out patients 
    • All students are given the option to participate in COVID patient care with the exception of high school students, interns, and professional observers.

Additional Details

  • If your school can fit test you and has N95s to provide, ensure N95s are NIOSH approved and do not have valves or vents. Please follow the university’s reuse-extended use practices to conserve supplies. Always carry documentation stating date of fit test & N95 mfr/model when on site.
  • If your school can provide you with N95s but cannot fit test you, you may be fit tested by St. Luke's Occupational Health. Students must come to the appointment prepared with the manufacturer and model number of the NIOSH-approved N95 respirator to be used in their fit test. Students may follow their university’s reuse-extended use practices to conserve supplies. See checklist for information on fit testing scheduling appointments at St. Luke's Occupational Health.
  • If your school is unable to fit test or provide you with N95s, St. Luke’s can provide you with a 3M 9205+ or 3M 8110s model. St. Luke's Occupational Health can perform fit testing. St. Luke’s current guideline is N95 single use (discard after each patient encounter). See checklist for information on scheduling fit testing appointments at St. Luke's Occupational Health.