Risk mitigation of shared room ventilation and filtration on SARS-CoV-2 transmission: a multicenter test-negative study.
Ventilation is key to curbing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in shared hospital rooms. Increased air changes per hour and room mechanical ventilation significantly reduce infection risk, offering a powerful tool to safeguard healthcare workers and patients.
This multicenter test-negative study examined the impact of ventilation and filtration on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in shared hospital rooms. Researchers found that increased air changes per hour and the presence of room mechanical ventilation were independently associated with lower odds of infection among exposed patients. While portable HEPA filters did not show a significant effect, the findings highlight the importance of optimizing ventilation to mitigate the risk of healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Future studies should further investigate optimal ventilation thresholds and the role of portable air filtration systems.