Abstract
Objective To monitor the number of bacterial colonies in the air of computed tomography (CT) room for COVID-19 using different disinfection methods and to identify the most effective method for disinfection and protection of equipment. Methods Three methods for disinfection using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (group A), plasma circulation air sterilizer (group B), and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation plus plasma circulation air sterilizer (group C) were utilized to sanitize the air in the CT room dedicated to COVID-19 cases. Single-factor ANOVA was used to evaluate and compare the disinfection effect of the three air disinfection methods; an air microbial sampler was used to sample and measure the number of bacteria in the air of the machine room. Results The number of bacteria in the air immediately after disinfection was significantly lower than before disinfection (p < 0.01). All three disinfection methods met the disinfection requirement. No significant differences in the number of air bacteria in the machine room immediately after disinfection were observed among the three methods (p > 0.05). In addition, the effect of disinfection after 2 h was compared, and the number of bacteria in group C after 2 h was significantly lower than that in group A and group B. Conclusions All three disinfection methods have significant disinfection effects. In addition, using ultraviolet disinfection lamps combined with a plasma air disinfection machine to sterilize the air in CT machine room has the best disinfection effect for the longest duration. Therefore, we recommend the combined disinfection method (ultraviolet disinfection lamps plus plasma air disinfection), as well as formulating relevant disinfection management norms, which should thus be the method to use during pandemics.
Highlights
In December 2019, multiple unusual viral pneumonia cases were reported in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and immediately followed by further spread to more than 30 cities and provinces across the country [1]
There was no significant difference in the number of air bacteria in the machine room before the three disinfection methods were used (p > 0:05)
The comparison between groups showed that there was no significant difference in the disinfection effect immediately after disinfection by the three methods (p > 0:05), whereas at 2 h after disinfection, the number of bacterial colonies of germicidal irradiation plus plasma circulation air sterilizer (group C) was significantly lower than that of groups A and B (p > 0:01, Figure 1, Table 2)
Summary
In December 2019, multiple unusual viral pneumonia cases were reported in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and immediately followed by further spread to more than 30 cities and provinces across the country [1]. By January 12, 2020, the virus involved in this unusual viral pneumonia outbreak was identified as a novel coronavirus belonging to the genus Betacoronavirus [2]. It was named as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. Thereafter, the World Organization of Health officially designated the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) [3]. Organized disinfection and isolation have been established as important measures for the prevention of further spread of the virus [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
