| Title |
Development of a Local Ventilation and Purification System with Integrated Supply and Exhaust Air for Healthcare Workers’ Protection in Infectious Disease Isolation Rooms |
| Authors |
Jinkyun Cho ; Wonseok Oh ; Beungyong Park |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.6110/KJACR.2023.35.12.598 |
| Keywords |
에어로졸생성시술; 의료진; 감염방지; 감염병; 국부배기 시스템 AGP: aerosol generating procedures; HCW: healthcare worker; Infection control; Infectious disease; LEV: local exhaust ventilation |
| Abstract |
This paper emphasizes the need for a secure medical environment during infectious disease pandemics. It introduces a novel local ventilation and purification unit with integrated supply and exhaust air. This innovation prioritizes healthcare worker (HCW) stability, presenting a pioneering design to minimize cross-infection risks. Approximately 39 medical procedures are categorized as Aerosol-Generating Procedures (AGPs), elevating HCW exposure. Despite increased ventilation during AGPs, HCWs remain vulnerable to close interactions with infected patients. The introduced local ventilation and purification unit segregates patient-generated emissions from HCW breathing zones, enhancing infection control. A horn-shaped hood, chosen from thirteen designs, optimizes airflow, capturing pollutants efficiently during AGPs. Two air purification strategies are explored: HEPA-filtered recirculation and direct outdoor exhaust. This research standardizes integrated supply and exhaust air units, offering foundational insights. However, future work should quantitatively assess infection risk reduction through CFD numerical analysis and field experiments, guided by infection control experts for successful implementation. |