A source isolator for infected patients

Area of Science:

• Infection Control
• Biomedical Engineering
• Microbiology

Background:

• Hospital-acquired infections pose a significant risk to patients and healthcare workers.
• Effective containment strategies are crucial for managing infectious patients in general wards.
• Existing methods for patient isolation may not fully prevent airborne pathogen transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a plastic, mechanically ventilated source isolator for infected patients.
• To assess the isolator's efficacy in preventing airborne bacterial dispersal during patient care and transport.
• To determine the risk of cross-contamination in a general ward setting.

Main Methods:

• Development of two models of a mechanically ventilated source isolator with effluent filtration.
• Experimental contamination challenges using bacteria from burn patients, simulated bed-making, and Bacillus subtilis var. globigii.
• Air sampling using slit samplers inside and outside the isolator to quantify bacterial counts.
• Comparison of bacterial counts with and without isolator use, and during different procedures.

Main Results:

• Consistent reduction in airborne bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus counts outside the isolator during patient dressing changes.
• Significant protection against airborne contamination from bacteria dispersed inside the isolator during bed-making and simulated dispersal.
• Potential for increased airborne bacteria upon isolator canopy removal due to residual or resettled bacteria.

Conclusions:

• The developed ventilated patient isolator effectively contains airborne bacteria, minimizing infection risk for staff and other patients.
• The isolator is a valuable tool for nursing and transporting infected patients in general wards.
• Further research may be needed to address bacterial dispersal upon isolator removal.