Airflows and the spread of airborne pathogens in the ICU Dr Collette W. Haig.

Airflows and the spread of airborne pathogens in the ICU

Dr Collette W. Haig

Introduction Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) – an

overview.

University Hospital Crosshouse. The ICU. Airflow patterns revealed.Spread of airborne pathogens.

Conclusions.

CFD – an overview

CFD – enables solutions to be found to complex fluid mechanics problems using numerical methods.

Capable of modelling air flows and their interaction with surfaces.

Capable of modelling the transportation of particles and the effect of heat sources on air flow patterns.

The ICU at UHC

Airflow patterns

Airflow patterns

Airflow patterns

Airflow patterns

Airflow patterns

Airflow patterns

Pathogen spread – 4μm

Pathogen spread – 4μm

Pathogen spread – 4μm

Pathogen spread – 4μm

Pathogen spread – 4μm

Pathogen spread – 4μm

Pathogen spread – 4μm

Pathogen spread – 4μm

Conclusion CFD model of ICU at University Hospital

Crosshouse.

Visualisation of airflow patterns and spread of respirable pathogens.

Even in this simple study great complexity is revealed.

Use of CFD to complement infection prevention studies.