Negative Isolation Rooms: Responding to COVID-19

HENDERSON HEADLINES NEGATIVE ISOLATION ROOMS: RESPONDING TO COVID-19 Authored by: Mark Chrisman & Jake Katzenberger | March 20, 2020 As a society, we are all currently watching the coronavirus (COVID-19) updates, intently looking for information. We have seen information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and in healthcare, and the American Society of Healthcare Engineers (ASHE). As designers in the healthcare setting, we are constantly reminded of the criticality of certain spaces in regard to patient treatment and healing. Below you’ll find guidance from code (ASHRAE 170 unless otherwise noted) and outside sources for airborne infection negative isolation rooms as many healthcare facilities are responding to the needs of this situation.

1. Negative isolation rooms must be exhausted (completely separate from general exhaust) directly to the exterior. We would recommend a HEPA filter be provided on the exhaust system to protect other outside air intakes in the vicinity.

2. If it’s impractical to exhaust directly to the exterior, it is acceptable to recirculate the return air from the negative isolation room into the air handling system only if a HEPA (MERV 17) filter is present on the return duct. Some design considerations when pursuing this option:

• The HEPA filter needs a lot of space for installation and maintenance (if bag in/bag out).

• A booster fan may be required to address the pressure drop from the installation of the HEPA filter.

• The supply in the negative isolation room will require adjustment through testing and balancing.

• Airflow rates (12 ACH) required for the isolation room will likely be higher than the current airflow for a standard patient room.

3. Provide a pressure measurement device to document space pressure.

4. Another option allowed by the CDC for similar airborne pathogens includes creating a temporary isolation tent in an existing patient room that allows for isolation of a patient with limited construction work involved.

• Space within the isolation tent would be provided with a temporary unit to create a negative pressure environment with HEPA filter recirculation.

As published guidance can change, we would recommend reviewing the guidance provided by the organizations listed above as well as the links below as new information on the virus is confirmed.

NEGATIVE ISOLATION ROOMS: RESPONDING TO COVID-19 CDC Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Coronavirus (continue to check this link as it is updated frequently with emerging information): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html CDC Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5417a1.htm?s_cid=rr5417a1_e ASHE Guidance for Facilities for Coronavirus: https://www.ashe.org/COVID19resources

MARK CHRISMAN PE, PH.D. Mark Chrisman joined Henderson Engineers in 2004 and quickly began establishing client relationships that he still maintains today. A vice president and our healthcare practice director, Mark coordinates strategy for Henderson’s healthcare practice across the country. He has designed healthcare environments for some of the biggest names in the industry, providing technical expertise on fire protection and code consulting. He is known for his uncanny ability to recall specific codes and uses his immense knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements to help save clients’ money and time on projects.

JAKE KATZENBERGER PE, HFDP, LEED AP As a healthcare technical leader, Jake not only understands how building systems work, but how they integrate with the function of the space. He has personally performed site investigations and managed solutions for more than 75 pharmacies since 2017. At Henderson Engineers, Jake leverages 15 years of experience to advance the technical standards of our healthcare practice.