Microbiological studies of a laminar air flow unit for patients.

Abstract

A laminar air flow (LAF) unit consisting of two patient rooms has been installed for patients’ undergoing cancer chemotherapy. Air circulated through the room in a horizontal laminar flow pattern after passing a bank of high efficiency filters. All necessary patient facilities were provided in the room. The rooms were cleaned with an organic tin compound prior to patient occupancy which reduced microbial contamination by 102 organisms. The concentration of organisms in air samples was 103 less in the LAF rooms than in regular hospital rooms. Nearly 80% of samples from floor sites, 86% from wall sites, and 88% from furnishings were sterile during patient occupancy.