• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.143-150
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• 2023

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has underscored the pressing need for robust infection control practices in pulmonary function laboratories (PFL). However, the existing guidelines and regulatory frameworks provided by relevant authorities in the country have revealed certain deficiencies in effectively addressing this significant public health crisis. This study surveyed the infection control regulations, disposable item usage, ventilation facilities, spatial separation, and the configuration of entrance doors in 51 domestic hospital facilities from Oct 1, 2021, to Nov 2, 2021. The survey findings revealed that while there was a relatively satisfactory adherence to airborne, droplet, and contact precautions with adequate awareness and utilization of personal protective equipment, the environmental disinfection practices exhibited a suboptimal performance rate of 39.22% per patient. Depending on the specific survey domains, substantial variations were observed in the utilization of disposable items (81.05%), ventilation systems (45.75%), dedicated testing spaces (80.39%), separation of administrative areas (15.69%), and the installation of automated doors (19.61%). This study not only highlights the paramount importance of infection control in PFLs within domestic medical institutions but also provides foundational data for developing and enhancing standardized guidelines that align with international benchmarks for infection control in these settings.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.91-98
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• 2008

Purpose: Radio-isotopes (RI) use has been steadily developing due to industrial and technical development in the modern medical society. Particularly, popularization of domestic cyclotrons dramatically enable hospitals to produce and use diagnostic radio-isotopes. Generally, only specific facilities such as hospitals, research institutes, nuclear power plants and universities can use radio-isotopes, they are also responsible for ventilation system. The strength of radioactivity in the air is strongly regulated and controlled by korea atomic energy law in Korea Institue of Nuclear Safety (KINS), so that air radioactivity exposure can lead to environmental pollution surrounding places. In this study, we'd like to find out the investigation and the present condition of the controlled ventilation system in domestic hospitals by an emission standard from KINS, and try to reach an agreement about how to use the ventilation system. Result: Definition of filters, features and structures of pre-filters, hepa-filters, charcol filters, filter exchange procedures and precautions are explained. RI deflation concentration and filter exchange cycle have been presented as a standard prescribed in the rules of KINS. The Radiation Control Management System (RCMS) introduced by Seoul National University Bundang Hospital linking to digital pressure gauge with computer controller in another medical facilities were described in details. Conclusions: The system of medical facilities using RI has been remarkably developing in 21 century. Especially, radiation safety control system has also been grown rapidly into the subdivision, specialization, advanced technology along with international technical improvement. However, As far as current RI ventilation system is concerned, it has nothing better than doing in the past. Preferentially, to reinforce this, more sophisticated system with strict periodic filter exchange and exhaust air control guidance should be introduced by applying brilliant domestic information technology for RCMS and digital gauge method. From personal point of view as a radiation safety manager, I have provide with present problems and improvements. Futhermore, more improved guidance should be conducted.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.16-25
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• 2024

This study investigated the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. In poultry meat and its association with foodborne illnesses in Gwangju, South Korea. It was found that out of the 307 samples of poultry meat examined, 111 (36.2%) were infected with Campylobacter spp. Among the isolated strains, 102 were identified as Campylobacter jejuni and 14 as Campylobacter coli. The detection rate of Campylobacter spp. was higher in duck meat (63.1%) than in chicken meat (26.0%). In 5 samples (1 chicken, 4 duck), both Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli were found together. The antimicrobial resistance test showed that 99 strains were resistant to more than one antimicrobial. The most common antimicrobial resistance was seen against ciprofloxacin (84.5%), followed by nalidixic acid (82.8%), tetracycline (44.0%), and gentamicin (2.6%). The isolated Campylobacter spp. were serotyped and the results showed the presence of HS2 (20 strains), HS15 (11 strains), HS19 (9 strains), and HS8 (8 strains). Considering the findings, it is recommended to maintain hygienic practices during the cooking process and to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of pathogenic bacteria.