TITLE: WASP-D Field Protocol
AUTHORS: Greg Blonder

[DESCRIPTION]
<div class = "text-blocks"><div class = "text-block"><span>WASP-D (</span><span style = "font-weight:bold;">W</span><span>arm</span><span style = "font-weight:bold;">A</span><span>nd</span><span style = "font-weight:bold;">S</span><span>low</span><span style = "font-weight:bold;">P</span><span>athogen-</span><span style = "font-weight:bold;">D</span><span>econtamination) enables the safe and simple decontamination of PPE from SARS-CoV-2 without damage or reduction of PPE effectiveness. Only heat, time and ambient humidity are required to lower SARS-CoV-2 viral load by six orders of magnitude. Heat also has the advantage of penetrating areas that cannot be reached by vapors or UV light, thus simplifying the decontamination process and reducing operating costs. WASP-D is well suited for low-resource environments and to relieve temporary PPE shortages.</span></div><div class = "text-block">To avoid damage to PPE materials, temperatures are limited to a  "warm" range between 110F-122F (43C-50C), for a decontamination  interval of 12hrs (at 46C/115F). Above 50C, or in the presence of UV-C, steam or chemical sanitizers, PPE  elasticity or tear strength may be compromised, limiting reuse and possibly affecting its ability to exclude pathogens. See "Guidelines and Warnings" for more details.</div><div class = "text-block">At these "warm" temperatures, some but not all pathogens will be diminished. Thus an "index' system where decontaminated PPE are returned to their original wearer is prudent. Never the less, in situations where SARS-CoV-2 is the primary infectious agent, WASP-D can relieve PPE shortages and improve patient and health system outcomes.</div></div>

[STEPS]
?. Before used-PPE is submitted for decontamination, the user should indelibly mark their PPE with their name and current date. Since WASP-D cannot guarantee all possible pathogens are fully deactivated, an “index” method where PPE is returned to the original user is prudent, though not required. Used-PPE often takes the shape of the user’s head or face, which is an additional benefit of indexing.
?. Used PPE should be inspected by gloved, masked and gowned staff on a clean table. Damaged PPE must be separated from re-usable PPE.
?. Damaged PPE should be securely bagged for disposed. Damage includes broken straps, torn gowns, clouded face shields, excess of bodily fluids, toxic chemicals, etc.
?. PPE exteriors are more likely highly contaminated than the interior. Thus, care should be taken to prevent individual PPE from touching each other. This step is not required if PPE is not indexed.
?. After PPE are stored in the WASP-D facility, the heat source is activated and the ventilation fan triggered. Internal temperatures should be monitored during the 12 hour decontamination cycle to confirm it maintains 114F-120F (45C-49C), nominally 115F/46C.
?. Additional decontamination time may be required beyond 12 hours. Moist or sweaty PPE will evaporatively cool, and until it  reaches ambient humidity , may plateau 10C or more below ambient temperature. Thick materials gathered in a heap will see-inslulate, delaying heat transfer to the center of the pile.WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND WHEN APPLYING WASP-D ON THICK DAMP MATERIALS, SUCH AS MATTRESSES, TO INSERT A DIGITAL THERMOMETER PROBE INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE OBJECT AND CONFIRM IT HAS REACHED 114F (45C) BEFORE STARTING THE 12 HOUR DECONTAMINATION COUNTDOWN.If for some reason the temperature drops (e.g. loss of heater power or sunlight) for a time interval, the WASP-D decontamination cycle should be increased by the same amount, plus time to return to target temperature. In-situ temperature measurement within the PPE are the best guide to confirm the PPE has reached target temperature of 115F (46C) or above. At which point the 12 hour cycle begins/continues.
?. A log of temperatures vs time during the pre-heat and 12 hour decontamination cycle should be maintained. Temperature swings ABOVE 50C (122F) should be avoided to limit thermal degradation of the PPE
?. After the WASP-D cycle completes, the facility may be opened. Decontaminated PPE may be collected by their indexed users directly from dedicated facility staff or stored in labeled and clean paper bags for later use.
?. As a precaution, a representative sample of PPE should be swabbed and tested to confirm pathogens levels are below target.
?. The facility should be thoroughly cleaned with soap/and or bleach and water, and allowed to dry between cycles. This reduces cross-contamination from pathogens which are less heat-sensitive.