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A Ventilation-Filtration Unit for Respiratory Isolation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 June 2016

Robert L. Marier*
Affiliation:
Louisiana State University School of Medicine and the Medical Center of Louisiana, Charity Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
Tim Nelson
Affiliation:
New Orleans, Louisiana, and Component Systems Inc, Cleveland, Ohio
*
Louisiana State University School of Medicine, 1532 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112

Abstract

Objective:

The development of a new method for achieving respiratory isolation in hospitals, clinics, and residential facilities, in response to the increasing risk of transmission of tuberculosis and the limitations of the currently available isolation systems.

Design:

Ultraviolet (UV) light and ultra-low-penetration air filtration were combined with a ventilation unit and adapted for use in modular isolation rooms or for conversion of existing rooms.

Results:

The ventilation-filtration unit efficiently cleared bacterial aerosols and particles >0.2 μm from the air, maintained required negative pressures and airflows, and provided directional airflow within rooms.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1993

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