Evaluation of infection-control effectiveness through use of an infection-control bed

We propose an infection-control bed as an infection-control technique using a push-pull local ventilation system and evaluated this bed in this study. The effectiveness in reducing the risk of airborne infection was evaluated using a cough-simulation machine. The machine releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a tracer gas. The simulated cough was set up to be released in two directions. The directions were assumed such that they typically pose an infection risk to the doctor. In addition, the diffusion-prevention effect in the hospital room was also studied. When the cough was released directly above the bed, the amount of CO₂ gas sampled at the measurement points above the patient decreased. The concentration at the most effective measurement point was 91.1 % lower as compared to that in the control case. When the cough was released directly in the doctor's direction, the concentration at the doctor's respiratory area was 56.7 % lower as compared to that in the control case.