Recommendations for ventilation of remodeled negative-pressure isolation wards for COVID-19 patients: A comparison of international guidelines

Chung-Yen Chen; Ping-Hui Chen; Jia-Kun Chen; Ta-Chen Su

doi:10.1016/j.jfma.2022.11.013

Recommendations for ventilation of remodeled negative-pressure isolation wards for COVID-19 patients: A comparison of international guidelines

J Formos Med Assoc. 2023 Feb;122(2):91-97. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2022.11.013. Epub 2022 Nov 25.

Authors

Chung-Yen Chen¹, Ping-Hui Chen², Jia-Kun Chen³, Ta-Chen Su⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Taiwan; Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan; Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taiwan.
² Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan; Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taiwan; Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Taiwan.
³ Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taiwan. Electronic address: jkchen29@ntu.edu.tw.
⁴ Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan; Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taiwan.

Abstract

This mini-review provides the practice guideline recommendations for ventilation of remodeled negative-pressure isolation wards for COVID-19 Patients. Remodeled "quasi-negative-pressure" isolation wards had been proved a feasible, inexpensive, safe, and effective measure to contain nosocomial outbreaks. We should first determine the minimum required ventilation volume of an isolation ward based on the severity of COVID-19 patients. Mechanical ventilation remains the mainstay for achieving the requirement, while the assistance of recirculation is also helpful. Beyond adequate ventilation volume, the "clean to less-clean" directional airflow remains the golden rule for the solution of indoor ventilation. The virus-laden exhaust should be treated with HEPA/UV device or be kept away from living organisms, buildings, and air inlets.

Keywords: COVID-19; Directional airflow; Mechanical ventilation; Negative-pressure isolation ward.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

COVID-19*
Disease Outbreaks
Hospitals
Humans
Patient Isolation
Ventilation