Simple and microbiologically safe portable transport unit for patients requiring protected isolation

Abstract

The removal of a patient from a laminar air flow room during protected isolation poses the risk of his microbial contamination and infection. Nonetheless, temporary removal from the laminar air flow room may be necessary for certain medical procedures or for psychological relief during prolonged periods of isolation or both. A means for protecting patients during temporary removal from the laminar air flow room is highly desirable. A previously described total body garment has been shown to be microbiologically safe and effective, but is expensive, cumbersome, and not very adaptable to patients of different ages and body sizes. We now present an alternative, microbiologically safe transportation system which delivers, high-efficiency particulate air-filtered air over the head and neck through a modified, lightweight, commercially available helmet and power supply and which can be comfortably and reliably used by isolated patients.