Indoor Environment
Online ISSN : 2186-4322
Print ISSN : 1882-0395
ISSN-L : 1882-0395
Commentary
Environmental odors in the clinical laboratory of a hospital
Satomi ASAIKazuo UMEZAWATsukasa NOZAKIShiro IKEDAYoshika SEKINEHayato MIYACHI
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2018 Volume 21 Issue 2 Pages 139-143

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Abstract

Foul odors in the hospital environment mainly come from patients, specifically their excrement and discharges. In the clinical laboratory, there are many origins of bad odors, including patient specimens and chemicals. We investigated and discussed odors detected in the clinical laboratory of our hospital. The laboratory handles many kinds of specimens, such as samples of blood, urine and feces obtained from patients. These specimens generate volatile chemicals throughout the examination process, starting from processing the samples all the way down to their storage. The microbiology laboratory is particularly odious, with smells coming from culture media as well as specimens with pathogens, such as sputum, urine, blood, feces, cerebrospinal fluid and pus. Although some methods to counter these odors, such as deodorization and ventilation, have been implemented, they are not very effective. Methods based on cost performance must be developed. Medical facilities must remain hygienic and comfortable, so developing effective methods of eliminating odors remains an issue to be resolved.

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© 2018 Society of Indoor Environment, Japan
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