Which of the following is a qualitative fit testing method?

• A. PortaCount
• B. Quantitative fit testing methods
• C. Aerosol leakage observation
• D. Taste test

Answer: (D)

Qualitative fit testing relies on the wearer’s senses to detect leakage rather than measuring it with instruments. In a taste test, a harmless tasting agent such as saccharin or Bitrex is aerosolized around and inside the respirator as the wearer performs fit-test exercises; if the agent is tasted, it means the seal is not adequate and the respirator doesn’t fit properly. This approach depends on perception (taste), so it’s qualitative. By contrast, PortaCount and other quantitative methods use instruments to measure how much leakage occurs and provide numerical fit factors. The option described as aerosol leakage observation isn’t a formal qualitative test, so it doesn’t fit the standard qualitative approach.