Traditionally, hospitals have been ventilated through the opening of windows and the use of whole-building ventilation systems.

Opening windows can be an effective way to dilute indoor contamination, however, its effectiveness in creating healthy indoor environments is difficult - if not impossible - to quantify. As outside air is not necessarily 'clean' (see invasive aspergillosis prevention for example), and the ventilation rate achieved will depend on the size and location of the window, the layout of the room, temperature difference between indoor and outdoor environments, airflow throughout the building, and temperature control in the hospital, especially during colder winter months.

Ducted hospital ventilation systems are designed to provide the required number of air changes per hour in each indoor environment. Factors such as the direction of airflow, type of healthcare activity, the creation of negative and positive pressure environments, filtration efficiency, and pressure differentials are all factors that can and should be considered when designing a ventilation system for a hospital.

Over time, however, hospital environments can change, departments expand and retract, and rooms might be repurposed. This can result in poorly performing or inadequate ventilation in hospitals and other healthcare settings, creating areas of high risk for the development of nosocomial infections.

Just as with a ducted ventilation system, the correctly engineered deployment of a portable hospital air filtration unit is essential. Furthermore, the mobile air purifier must fulfil a variety of criteria regarding its design, filtration efficiency, airflow rate, and filtration stages to be effective. Once these requirements are met, however, a professional HEPA filtered device for hospital air filtration is an effective and cost-efficient way for improving and supplementing hospital ventilation in any given room.

Professional HEPA filtered devices are capable of quickly and efficiently reducing particulate contamination in each room, such as a hospital treatment room, patient ward, and waiting area. By providing a high filtration efficiency and high levels of airflow, a high-efficiency HEPA filtered device can significantly reduce microbial contamination from the room air within minutes.

The mobile nature of a HEPA filtered device means that it can be deployed quickly and easily relocated if needed. The units can be floor-standing or wall-mounted. A broad variety of models with different specifications, such as airflow rate and sound pressure, ensures that any room size and any type of room can be fitted with the required number of air changes.

A wide range of accessories also makes the mobile hospital air filtration units exceptionally versatile. The same unit can be used to create an overpressure or under-pressure environment, and/or at source capture of contamination. Any of these alterations can be done quickly and inexpensively.

No building work or ducting is required for HEPA-filtered devices to be operational for hospital air filtration. The units only require a standard 13-amp socket.

Regular maintenance and testing of ventilation and hospital air filtration systems are crucial to ensure their optimal effectiveness. Commissioning and testing ventilation systems before occupancy ensures that the HEPA filtered devices for hospital air filtration are functioning as intended and meet the required standards.

Natural Ventilation - Where possible, healthcare facilities are encouraged to incorporate natural ventilation strategies to reduce energy consumption and provide fresh air.

HEPA filtered devices for hospital air filtration are designed to be deployed within a typical healthcare setting, regardless of the building’s existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Easily installed at the source of each contamination, the HEPA filtered devices are ideal for use in patient areas, treatment rooms, waiting areas, as well as backup ventilation and additional infection control measures during building works and repurposing of the area.

All of IQAir HEPA filtered devices for hospital air filtration are individually tested and certified for their high whole system performance, achieving a guaranteed minimum efficiency of over 99.5% of ultra-fine pollution particles at MPP 0.3 microns. The IQAir hospital air filtration units are engineered for airborne infection control and safety, approved in accordance with hospital standards. They meet and exceed all Health Protection Agency guidelines:

• The most advanced and trusted airborne infection and pollution control
• Individually tested and certified for their whole system filtration efficiency
• Low maintenance, easy installation and extra-long-lasting filters
• Solutions for every room size and purification requirement
• On-site validation of airflow rate, filtration efficiency
• Full after-sales services, from warranty extension to training of staff

Independent research studies have shown that IQAir HEPA-filtered devices for hospital air filtration can reduce the rate of invasive diseases by over 50%. Effective airborne infection control through the use of such hospital air filtration is not only able to save lives but can also significantly reduce the cost of patient care.