In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about bronchoscopy procedures.

Q: Could you clarify whether bronchoscopy procedures should be performed in a negative pressure room or positive pressure room? It seems as though many folks are doing them bedside and using emergent need as a justification to do so. I seem to recall that the American Institute of Architects guidelines indicate a negative pressure room.

A: Here is how the FGI Guidelines have set ventilation requirements for bronchoscopy:

2014 FGI: negative, 12 air changes per hour

2010 FGI: negative, 12 air changes per hour

2006 FGI/AIA: negative, 12 air changes per hour

2001 AIA: negative, 12 air changes per hour

1996-97 AIA: negative, 12 air changes per hour

So it is obvious bronchoscopy needs to be done in a room that is negative and has 12 air changes per hour. The typical patient room does not have that level of ventilation.

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