procedure mask

noun

variants or procedure face mask or less commonly procedural mask or procedural face mask

plural procedure masks or procedure face masks also procedural masks or procedural face masks

: a nonsterile, disposable, rectangular-shaped face mask typically of nonwoven material (such as polypropylene) that covers the mouth and nose, that usually has elastic ear loops for securing to the face, and that is intended to be worn by medical personnel (as during medical procedures or while attending to patients) especially to prevent the spread of airborne infectious agents (such as bacteria or viruses)

Procedure masks should not be used interchangeably with surgical masks in the OR. Surgical masks possess higher filtration capability and fluid resistance than procedure masks.

—Dorothy Fogg

Founder Johnny Morris of the Springfield, Missouri-based [Bass Pro Shops] chain announced he plans to send one million standard procedure face masks to health care workers and first responders working nationally during the COVID-19 crisis …

—Lisa Vernon Sparks

A Penn State COVID-19 task force has released initial recommendations on the use of personal protective equipment in campus classrooms and laboratories. … The general recommendation, based on testing, is for instructors to wear a procedure mask with sound amplification while teaching in the general classroom setting …

—Centre Daily Times (State College, Pennsylvania)

compare surgical mask

Word History

First Known Use

1996, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

procedure mask

noun

variants or procedure face mask also procedural mask or procedural face mask

: a nonsterile, disposable, rectangular-shaped face mask typically of nonwoven material (such as polypropylene) that covers the mouth and nose, that usually has elastic ear loops for securing to the face, and that is intended to be worn by medical personnel (as during medical procedures or while attending to patients) especially to prevent the spread of airborne infectious agents (such as bacteria or viruses)

During the outbreak, mumps education signs and procedure masks were placed at entrances and in waiting areas.

—Gary Evans, Hospital Employee Health

Use a surgical or procedure mask, and eye protection if there is a risk of splashes to the face during the care of patients, particularly among those who are vomiting.

—Hospital Infection Control and Prevention

compare surgical mask