Positive Pressure Isolation Rooms

Positive Pressure Isolation Rooms maintain a flow of air out of the room, thus protecting the patient from possible contaminants and pathogens which might otherwise enter. The most common application today is HIV Rooms and rooms for patients with other types of immunodeficiency. For such patients it is critically important to prevent the ingress of any pathogens, including even common fungi and bacteria which may be harmless to healthy people.

Design criteria for HIV Rooms are similar to those for TB Rooms. Air supplied to or recirculated in HIV Rooms is normally filtered through HEPA filters, and UVGI systems are sometimes used in conjunction with these. Anterooms are recommended and the air pressure differential criteria as described for TB Rooms applies similarly.

Approximately 15% of AIDS patients also suffer from TB, and this presents a unique design problem. One solution is to house the positive pressure (HIV) room within a negative pressure (TB) room, or vice-versa, which would be similar to a pair of nested biohazard levels. A much less expensive alternative is to design a negative pressure room with an internal laminar air flow system. This will effectively provide a pathogen free enviornment for the patient.

Airmont's Ventilation / Filtration Units have been used throughout New York City's health care settings to comply with OSHA and CDC engineering control guidelines.

Automatic Room Pressure Control
Fan speed control maintains comfortable air flow levels during normal operation for improved compliance. Automatically increases air flow when doors are opened to maintain negative pressure and insure safety. The automatic control also maintains constant airflow throughout the life of the HEPA filter.

Local and Optional Remote Alarms
Constantly monitors filters, UV lights, blower operation and entry or egress. Audible and visual alarms at the VFU signal trouble. An optional, remote alarm panel can be located at a station or terminals can be tied to a building automation system.

Durable, Tamper Resistant Construction
The VFU cabinet is painted steel, with a key lockable door.