Performance evaluation of a new mobile air-treatment technology at-rest and under normal work conditions in a conventional hematology room

Abstract

Invasive fungal infections incidence in patients with hematological malignancies is increasing. Air treatment remains an essential preventive measure. Guidelines state that high-risk patients should be housed in units equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air filtration. Mobile air-treatment devices may be considered as alternatives or as a complement to the ventilation system. We assessed the decontamination performances of a new mobile air-treatment device in a conventional hematology room. This device connected or not to a plenum combining Ultra-Low Particulate Air filtration and non-thermal catalysis process has been evaluated with or without healthcare activities (one sampling at-rest and triplicate samplings in activity). Environmental particulate, airborne and surface fungal and total mesophilic flora (TMF) samplings were performed with a total of 1800 min of particles counting, 144 air and 240 surface samplings. At-rest, both devices achieved a 2-log decrease of airborne particles, ISO 4 being the maximal particle class reached under the plenum. Whatever the healthcare activities and the location in the room, ISO 7 was the maximal particle class reached. TMF and fungal air contamination were lower during healthcare activities when the air portable cleaners were running. The bed was the area the least contaminated in the room. No differences were observed for surface contamination. This work provides arguments of the efficacy of a new mobile air-treatment device to decrease particle counts and airborne bioburden in real-life conditions. Studies have yet to be conducted to document the impact of these devices on the risk of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients.