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Hi Cate,
The Australian Standard, AS1668.2 doesn’t specifically mention HEPA filters in relation to isolation rooms, just specifies that they should be of a lower air pressure than the general ward that they are on.
The Australian Health Facility Guidelines only mention HEPA filtration if external exhaust is not possible. I’ve attached a PDF of the relevant part of the guideline, or it can be found at https://healthfacilityguidelines.com.au/
As Donna mentioned, any HEPA filter on the exhaust of an isolation room would need pre-filters and lint filters otherwise it would become blocked very quickly.
Regards,
Sarah Bailey MSc PGDip Med Myc
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Hi Cate,
I would recommend you refer to the Victorian Guidelines for the classification and design of isolation rooms in health care facilities (https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/publications/policiesandguidelines/Guidelines%20for%20the%20classification%20and%20design%20of%20isolation%20rooms%20in%20health%20care%20facilities%20Victorian%20Advisory%20Committee%20on%20Infection%20Control%202007)https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/publications/policiesandguidelines/Guidelines%20for%20the%20classification%20and%20design%20of%20isolation%20rooms%20in%20health%20care%20facilities%20Victorian%20Advisory%20Committee%20on%20Infection%20Control%202007https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/publications/policiesandguidelines/Guidelines%20for%20the%20classification%20and%20design%20of%20isolation%20rooms%20in%20health%20care%20facilities%20Victorian%20Advisory%20Committee%20on%20Infection%20Control%202007
There is no requirement for HEPA filters on either the supply or exhaust air (see pages 9-10). If your negative pressure rooms will be used by very immunosuppressed patients (e.g. in a haematology unit) then you may want to consider having a HEPA on the supply air. The facility I worked in previously (Austin Health) did fit 2 neg pressure rooms with HEPA filter supply air in the Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre because of the patient population.
The guideline does state “HEPA filters should be installed on exhausts only if the requirements of AS1668.2 cannot be met due to physical limitations of an exiting building. If HEPA filters are installed, high efficiency deep bed filters shall be installed to protect the HEPA.” In other words HEPA filters are only required if the exhaust air cannot be located far enough away for supply air intakes. Deep bed filters are essential if HEPA filters are installed on the exhaust air as the HEPA filters become clogged very quickly with all the lint and dust drawn through them (a neg pressure room is the dust and lint sink for a ward!).
Experience with negative pressure rooms that have exhaust air HEPA filters has taught me to try to avoid this at all cost!
Regards,
Donna
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Donna Cameron | Infection Control Consultant
Microbiological Diagnostic Unit
Public Health Laboratory | Department of Microbiology & Immunology
The University of Melbourne, Building 248, Level 1, 792 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 3010, VIC
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Hi everyone,
Can anyone clarify whether HEPA filters go on the supply line or exhaust line in Negative pressure rooms? Or both?
The International Health Facility Guidelines says both – esp if there are immunosuppressed and infectious pts, however has a table which states not required for supply air.
Thanks
Cate Coffey | Clinical Nurse Consultant
Infection Prevention and Control Unit | Central Australia Health Service
Northern Territory Government
Alice Springs Hopsital, Gap Rd, Alice Springs
GPO Box 2234, Suburb, NT Postcode
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e … cate.coffey@nt.gov.au http://www.nt.gov.au/health
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