When should surgical masks be used in a healthcare setting?

Surgical masks are essential in healthcare settings, especially during procedures that have the potential to create splashes or sprays of blood or other bodily fluids. This is because surgical masks are specifically designed to provide a barrier that helps protect healthcare workers from exposure to these fluids, which can contain infectious agents. The materials and design of surgical masks help to filter out large particles while also reducing the risk of transmitting pathogens from the healthcare worker to the patient and vice versa.

In contrast, while surgical masks can be worn during routine examinations and general patient interactions, they are not a primary requirement in these scenarios as the risk of exposure to blood or bodily fluids is minimal. Although consultation with patients is important, the need for a surgical mask is particularly heightened when there is a risk of splashes or sprays, thus reinforcing the importance of using them appropriately during specific procedures.