EN 14683 outlines the construction, design, performance criteria, and testing methods for medical face masks that aim to minimize the spread of infectious agents from healthcare personnel to patients during surgical operations and in other medical environments with comparable needs. A medical face mask that provides an adequate microbial barrier can also help decrease the release of infectious agents from the respiratory tract of asymptomatic individuals or patients exhibiting clinical symptoms. It is important to note that this document does not pertain to face masks designed solely for the personal protection of healthcare workers.