A ventilation-filtration unit for respiratory isolation.
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.


METHODS
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 microns from the air, maintained required negative pressures and airflows, and provided directional airflow within rooms.
Marier
R L
RL
Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112.
Nelson
T
T
D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000295:instrumentation; D010316:Particle Size; D010356:Patient Isolation; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014691:Ventilation / Q000295:instrumentation*