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Analysis of Airborne Bacteria Control Efficacy of UR-UVGI Systems in General Hospital Wards Mock-up

  • JOURNAL OF THE KOREA INSTITUTE OF HEALTHCARE ARCHITECTURE
  • Abbr : KIHA
  • 2025, 31(2), pp.7~14
  • DOI : 10.15682/jkiha.2025.31.2.7
  • Publisher : Korea Institute Of Healthcare Architecture
  • Research Area : Engineering > Architectural Engineering
  • Received : May 16, 2025
  • Accepted : May 27, 2025
  • Published : June 16, 2025

Sihn, Dongmin 1,  Jo, Yelim 1,  Bang, Jong-Il 1,  Sung, Minki 1

1세종대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This study aimed to experimentally analyze the effectiveness of an Upper-Room Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UR-UVGI) system in reducing airborne bacteria in a mock-up of a multi-bed general ward. Multi-bed hospital wards pose a high risk of cross-infection via airborne pathogens. Since existing ventilation systems alone have limitations in infection control, evaluating the applicability of UR-UVGI systems is essential. Methods: The experiment was conducted by varying ventilation rates and UR-UVGI operation conditions. Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) was aerosolized from one bed using a nebulizer, and airborne bacteria were collected from the other beds and the HVAC terminal using an impact sampler. UV-C intensity was measured to evaluate its spatial distribution across the room. The quantified bacterial concentrations were used to calculate reduction rates and equivalent air change rates (eACR). Results: Operation of the UR-UVGI system significantly reduced airborne bacterial concentrations under all conditions. A correlation between UV-C intensity and bacterial reduction rates was observed. The equivalent air change rate (eACR) increased by up to 2.97 ACH. Implications: This study experimentally demonstrated that UR-UVGI systems can effectively complement existing ventilation systems as an infection control measure in multi-bed wards. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting the implementation of UR-UVGI systems in hospital settings and are expected to contribute to improved infection control and energy efficiency in healthcare facilities.

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This paper was written with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.
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