Mask Fit Testing
What is it?
What do I need?
How long will it take?
A fit test is a method for checking that a tight-fitting respirator facepiece suitably seals and protects you from any airborne particles. In your fit test appointment, you will try on multiple types of P2/N95 respirators that are commonly used in health services, and a machine will generate particles and test the seal of each respirator.
Some students are required to be fit tested for common P2/N95 respirators before attending clinical placement in health services and residential aged care facilities. Similarly, students based in settings where exposure to high-risk COVID patients is likely will also need to be fit tested prior to commencing placement.
Because some placements are not deemed high risk or have N95/P2 masks mandated, it is best to confirm with your placement team if fit testing applies to you. In saying this, if the check is mandated in Sonia, then you should assume the fit test will be required.
Requirements
Book a fit testing appointment as soon as you are able. Fit test results are valid for one year. If you wait until the last minute, you might find it difficult to secure an appointment, whether this is through MDHS or externally.
Placement providers should be the first point of contact for being fit tested, but if you are going on placement for the first time, this can be a challenge!
MDHS Fit Testing Program
The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) facilitates a fit testing program in coordination with Melbourne Dental School (MDC) and Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics (MTHC). If you are a currently admitted student with a placement program and wish to have a fit test completed by MDHS, you can book an appointment via the booking link below:
Address: Level 1, 723 Swanston Street, Carlton (Melbourne Dental Clinic)
Please ensure you read the Information Handout and are aware of the preparation requirements. If you fail to appropriately prepare for your test, you may be turned away and asked to rebook (creating a delay).
Faculty run appointments may be difficult to secure during the months of May-October and December, and an external Fit Test appointment will incur a cost that you will need to pay for.
Find your own tester
You can source a RESP-FIT accredited fit tester on your own. The best way to do this is via the Find a Fit Tester database.
Follow the testing requirements
Regardless of where you get your fit test done, the preparation requirements are the same. You must arrive at your appointment: clean-shaven, not have eaten (this includes not chewing gum), not consumed liquids (except water) or smoked/vaped at least 20 minutes prior to being tested.
If you arrive to a MDHS facilitated appointment and have not met the preparation requirements, you will be turned away and requested to rebook a new appointment.
If you are unable to shave due to religious, cultural or medical reasons, do not book a Fit Test appointment via the usual channels. You must register your interest to participate in the Singh Thatta trial conducted by the Department of Health and Royal Melbourne Hospital. More details can be found on their website here. Many students have been successfully cleared through this channel.
Evidence
In order to clear this check, you must provide evidence of being successfully fitted for at least two masks, as recommended by the Victorian Respiratory Protection Program.
If you undertake fit testing through MDHS (facilitated out of the Melbourne Dental Clinic), your check will be cleared by the fit testing team. You do not need to submit the check in Sonia.
If you have completed your fit test externally, you should upload evidence of completion of a fit test. This can be a fit test certificate or card that verifies the date of the fit test or expiry, your name, and the recommended makes or models specific to you. Requirements for evidence must align with the Department of Health Fit Testing reporting protocols and include:
- Worker name or ID (student ID is sufficient)
- The date of the test
- Specifics of the mask (make, model, size)
- The overall fit factor result
MDHS fit testing expiry requirement
For MDHS pre-placement compliance, mask fit testing expires 12 months from the date of testing.
MDHS does not accept fit testing evidence older than 12 months, even if an external fit testing provider states that the result is valid for up to 24 months.
Students must complete a new fit test once the 12-month expiry period has passed in order to be cleared for placement.
More details
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If you have only passed one fit test mask, do not stress. Your check will be set to missing information and you should contact your placement staff for further guidance. Do not have another fit test until you have spoken to your placement team. It may not be necessary, and we do not want anyone to incur additional costs if it is not required.
Ready to submit your documents? Go to Sonia.
Still have questions? Contact the MDHS Student Hub.