The control by ventilation of airborne bacterial transfer between hospital patients, and its assessment by means of a particle tracer: I. An airborne-particle tracer for cross-infection studies

Abstract

A simple and convenient particle tracer for studies of the effectiveness of isolation units and other places in limiting the airborne transfer of bacteria is described. Particles of potassium iodide 7-8 mum. diameter are generated by spraying from solution and collected on membrane filters. The particles can be identified by development with 0.1% acid palladium chloride solution, when dark brown spots approximately 100 mum. in diameter are produced.