A Case Study of Utilizing Bio Sterilizer in a Hospital to Reduce Bacteria Density

Abstract

Bacteria live and grow anywhere, especially in hospitals as a place of patient care. An infected person, when coughing and touching objects, will deliver the transmission to the surrounding environment. Air is a potential means for viruses and bacteria to act as intermediaries for the transmission of various diseases. Currently, many air purifiers have been manufactured and are expected to be able to suppress the growth of viruses and bacteria to minimize the potential for transmission. The study's goal was to see how effective a biosterilizer was at reducing bacterial loads in hospital treatment rooms after it was activated. The study inspected the indoor air quality of the internal medicine room and the emergency unit in Linggajati Hospital, Kuningan Regency. The examined parameters were PM10 particles, viral load, and bacterial load as determined through air sampling and the swab method at 27 points, both before and after placing the bio sterilizer. Samples were examined in the laboratory, and the concentration of airborne particles was tested by a multifunction air quality detector. Interviews were also conducted with hospital staff and patients regarding the benefits of this sterilizer. The analysis was carried out by assessing the difference in air quality before and after the placement of the biosterilizer. The results of the study showed that 24-h operation of a biosterilizer may reduce bacterial density by about 50% but is ineffective for reducing airborne particles (PM 10). According to officers and patients, the placement of the biosterilizer has a positive psychological impact and improves the condition of the room, reducing complaints of pain. Hospitals and other health-care facilities may want to consider using a biosterilizer to improve indoor air quality and provide better services.