Fit testing is required at BIDMC and other hospitals to help insure that health care workers who could be exposed to airborne infection have the correct mask to use and thereby minimize the risk of exposure. The testing involves a series of exercises while being exposed to a "bitter" or "sweet" tasting spray of solution. If the mask is fitted correctly you should not taste the solution that is sprayed into the yellow hood.Each department has a designated person who does the testing. Nurse Judi Hirshfield-Bartek, shown here, makes this important task more fun by adding a few exercises like jumping jacks and silly things that make people laugh. Also, since some people find the test a bit claustrophobic, the games distract them and help them get through more easily.
