8 Reasons VeriFit Tops Sweet or Bitters
8 Reasons VeriFit Tops Sweet or Bitters. When conducting a Qualitative Respirator Fit Test, there are several advantages when using VeriFit Irritant Smoke Generators rather then using Sweet and Bitter Solution. From time in conducting the tests, cost to the tester associated with each, medical concerns and cost to test subject of company. However, first a little background information.
Qualitative and Quantitative Fit Tests
This is just the basics in differences for this article. For a more comprehensive description of both, please see a Pdf by 3M at this link.
Quantitative Fit Test
A Quantitative Fit Test objectively measures the amount of leakage in a respirator while a person is wearing it. These specialized computer kits cost on average between $1500 and $4000.
Qualitative Fit Test
A Qualitative Fit Test subjectively relies on the persons senses and is a pass or fail test. For taste and smell, solutions of Sweet and Bitters are used. Or in the case of Irritant Smoke, the subject’s reaction (usually a cough) when the smoke is detected. Qualitative Fit Test Kits are substantially less in price, $100 to $600.
Sweet and Bitter Fit Test
The biggest factor with Sweet (Saccharin) and Bitter (Denatonium Benzoate) is the tester has to rely on the honesty of the test subject that they can indeed detect the solutions. This method also incorporates a hood to be worn during the test. This can be an issue for some who have Claustrophobia. In addition, it is also time consuming. During the procedures a sensitivity test is conducted to determine if the test subject can detect either or both of the 2 different solutions. Then a 15-minute waiting period must be observed before the fit test can commence. In some cases, subjects are not able to detect the Sweet and/ or the Bitter Solution.
VeriFit Irritant Smoke
1st.
VeriFit Irritant Smoke take a person’s honesty right out of the equation. If the smoke is detected by the subject, they will start to cough. It’s a TRUE “Pass Fail Test”.
2nd.
The cost is a lot cheaper. A pack of 10 smoke generators will cost between $100 and $120
3rd.
Transportation and storage is so much simpler. The kits fit right in a briefcase or individual generators can go straight into your vis vest.
4th.
The kits are a lot smaller, about the same size as an old VHS tape. For those born after 2008, the size is roughly 4.5” Wide by 8” Long by 1” High.
5th.
There’s no measuring and mixing of solutions. As well there is no need for extra containers, or measuring cups.
6th.
Clean up and disposal is quicker, safer, and less invasive to the environment. Just replace the cap and dispose of it into the garbage.
7th.
The cost to your customers can be substantially less as well. Because the kits are cheaper and time needed is less, you can charge accordingly.
8th.
The time associated with the test is a fraction of Sweet and Bitter. Actual test time is just a few minutes. During COVID-19 this was critical as all Medical and Dental professionals and swell as associated workers were required to be fit tested prior to seeing patients. The same went for all 1st responders and essential services. Even though the country was in lock down, these workers still needed to be available. With tens of thousands of these workers needing fit testing immediately, time was crucial. VeriFit Irritant Smoke was 10 times quicker.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I personally like using VeriFit over Sweet and Bitter Solutions for those 8 reasons and the many others not mentioned. Manufactured by Nextteq, the advantages over the other Irritant Smoke Test Kits include being safer as you don’t need to break the ends off a glass tube. As well you don’t need to attach a secondary pump bulb. VeriFit comes with its own pump built right into each generator.
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