| Title |
On-site Test Methods of Tracer Gas Transmission for Cross-infection Risk Assessment in a Single Space and Between Rooms |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2022.38.9.235 |
| Keywords |
Infectious Disease; Healthcare Facilities; Cross Infection; Infection Risk; Ventilation System; Tracer Gas; On-site Test Methods |
| Abstract |
In this study, a dilution-based evaluation and on-site measurement of cross-infection risk using tracer gas transmission was proposed. Since
the existing Wells-Riley model does not obtain a spatial distribution of infection risk, it was difficult to make effective alternatives to prevent
cross-infection in buildings. The newly proposed approach benchmarked and integrated the dilution ratio and the classic Wells-Riley model
and tracer gas test method. Compared with the Wells-Riley model, there were two advantages: the evaluation of the infection risk by spatial
location with continuous time interval, and the convenience of actual in-situ measurement. Even if the locations of the infector and health
care workers were not fixed in the room, it could be used to determine the spatial distribution of the infection risk based on the calculation
of the dilution ratio at the measurement point. The dilution ratio at sampling point was used to calculate the inhaled amount of airborne
pathogens for which the infection risk was calculated. As for the on-site test method using tracer gas transmission, a framework and
procedure that could evaluate the infection risk by location in a single space and cross-infection between rooms was presented. The amount
of tracer gas dosed for the source of pollution or infector presented quantitative values of the breathing rate and AGMPs. |