Focus: Infection Control

Study: Isolation room pressure key to limiting spread of airborne germs

A high air-change rate in AIIRs does not ensure efficient removal of infectious agents


Maintaining a high negative pressure in airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIR) of hospitals can help limit the dispersion of airborne contaminants and dust, according to an article on the Becker's Clinical Quality and Infection Control website.

A study in Annals of Work Exposures and Health found a high air-change rate in AIIRs does not ensure efficient removal of infectious agents in the breathing zone of a healthcare worker. 

The researchers found the local airflow patterns are more important. 

A high mean negative pressure between an AIIR and its surroundings was found to effectively curb particle transmission outside an AIIR.

Read the article.

 



January 2, 2019


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

Putting Trauma-Informed Design into Practice

Arnold's Place demonstrates how design choices can promote dignity and a sense of control for those experiencing homelessness.


Harris Health to Build New Freestanding Cancer Center

The center is planned to open in 2029, following the opening of the new O'Quinn Hospital along the North Loop at Lockwood.


Inland Empire Health Plan Opens Expanded San Bernardino Community Wellness Center

The new 33,000-square-foot center is nearly three times the size of the original location off Second Street.


Energy Security: Benefits of Hospital Microgrids

Healthcare facility managers need to keep medicine, machines, information and life-support systems operating when the surrounding infrastructure is not.


UT MD Anderson to Expand Texas Medical Center Via Two New Facilities

Inspiration Tower and Prism will serve as the new front door to UT MD Anderson.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.