Validating a Safe Built Environment in High Risk Areas Using Air Sampling Methodologies

Background Construction inside of a hospital environment creates risks by increasing the amount of airborne mold in the environment, posing significant health risks to immunocompromised patient populations. Despite implementing construction risk control measures, the completed built environment may have built environment issues that could allow for mold contamination in the high risk patient area. During hospital expansion construction a new OR region and new Stem Cell Transplant unit were built. Prior to opening these new areas, IPC created an extensive air sampling plan utilizing two air sampling methodologies as due diligence to assure a safe built environment for future high risk patient use. Methods An air sampling protocol was developed for the two high risk built environments. Particulate and viable air samples were collected by a third party and sent for lab processing. All results were reviewed by IPC; any mold growth was considered a failed test. Results Air sample results were reviewed by IPC. Following multiple iterations of failed testing, problem solving and retesting, significant issues with the built environment were identified; in the OR, air balance issues and window installation; in the stem cell unit, a penetration in HEPA filter bank, air balance issues and a patio overlook door with significant air leaks. Once all issues were corrected and final air samples were negative for mold, the built environment was considered safe for patient use. Conclusions Presence of mold can create major patient safety risks if not identified and corrected prior to operational use. Conducting targeted and intentional air sampling in these environments can be a reliable mechanism to identify and correct prior to any patient impact. The air sampling methodologies described here in as an important step in ensuring a new built high risk environment is safe and ready for patients.