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.
Balancing Act: Designing for Safety and Flexibility
Methodist Healthcare Breaks Ground on Methodist ER Medina Valley
Fire Protection in Healthcare: Why Active and Passive Systems Must Work as One
Building Envelope Design: Beyond Energy Efficiency
Outpatient Surge Reshapes Long-Term Strategy for Medical Outpatient Buildings