TSI PortaCount Respirator Fit Test Machine 8048

I have been using this product for over 10 years. TSI's PortCount machine provides quantiative-style fit testing (QNFT). It is the easiest and convinent fit testing method I have used. Any style of N95 can be used with this machine. We have four of these kits. Is it worth having one? Absolutely!

How it works: The aerosolizing bubbler machine produces salt water particles which is then detected by the main machine. The machine measures the particle count (with it's isopropyl alcoholed wick) inside and outside the mask to determine if the person has a good fit. They must do a series of movements as the machine is measuring, which are the same movements as our qualtiative hood and spray tests. 

Pros:

1. Can complete a fit test in seven minutes or less.

2. Works for staff who have no sense of taste or smell. Works with staff who are clausterphobic in the qualtiative testing hoods.

3. Able to get a sense of a good seal in less that one minute to procede with testing.

4. An objective, not subjective way to test. No "I think I can taste the spray but I'm not sure"....

5. Can be used with any laptop or tablet. Apple or Android.

6. Customer service and local reps are extreemly helpful.

7. Software is super simple to use and can download the fit test record result into some EHRs. 

8. Eliminates potential carpel tunnel pain from consistant spray bulb squeezing. 

9. No stickiness from the saccherin or bitterness on hands from sprays.

10. High staff satifaction due to the shortened testing time and no left over sweet or bitter taste in their mouths. 

Cons:

1. Very expensive- think $7,000-10,000 for the whole kit. Though a refurb or training unit could be less expensive and work just as well. 

2. Manual grommet insertion for each N95 being used for testing. Must punch hole with grommet in mask in order to attach hose and then disgard testing N95.

3. Kit comes in 2 suitcases which has been weighed at 35 pounds. Plus you will need an additional labtop of tablet. It is alot of gear.

4. Machine is finiky as to what locations you test in. It prefers a small room with minimal airflow, not a large open space.

5. Machine must be sent our anually for calibration. 

6. Annual supplies must be purchased: metal grommets, isopropyl alcohol, and salt tablets. 

7. Can only test one person at a time versus multiple with the hood and spray method.

PortaCount™ Respirator Fit Testing equipment measure the fit of the respirator or mask while the user simultaneously performs a series of moving, breathing, and talking exercises designed to simulate the same movements made in the field. With step-by-step guidance, the instrument walks you through the fit test. Once the fit test is complete, it is easy to generate reports. Choose the industry’s most accurate, fastest, and easy-to-use fit tester to increase your staff’s safety, with software and features to improve your program’s efficiency and productivity from training through regulatory compliance reporting.

Features and Benefits

  • Compatible with new Modified CNC Protocols
  • OSHA, CSA, HSE INDG, ANSI/ASTM, ISO, INRS and JIS accepted for all for ALL Full-facepiece and Half-facepiece tight fitting elastomeric respirators, including NIOSH Series -95 /-99 /-100; EN -FFP1 / -FFP2 / -FFP3 filtering facepiece respirators
  • Built-in N95 Companion™ technology
  • Real-Time FitCheck™ Mode shows respirator fit in real-time for improved mask selection and training
  • Animated fit test steps guide users though the proper movements for each exercise
  • Group Fit Test Mode allows administrators to control up to four instruments from a single control screen
  • FitPro™ Ultra Fit Test Software automates training, testing and recordkeeping
  • The new app-like interface is easy to use and allows users to start a fit test quickly, in fewer steps
  • Measures fit factors greater than 10,000
  • Software can print fit test cards with fit test report
  • FitPro™ Ultra Software backward compatibility available for 8030 and 8038 models

Applications

  • Quantitative respirator fit testing (QNFT)
  • Half-mask fit testing
  • Full-face fit testing
  • Disposable filtering-facepiece fit testing for Series 100/99/95/P1/P2/P3 masks
  • SCBA fit testing
  • Gas mask fit testing
  • PAPR fit testing
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  • Link: TSI - PortaCount™ Respirator Fit Tester 8048

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