篩檢COVID-19的創新：定位攝影及自動清消之負壓X光艙

Innovative Device to Screen for COVID-19: The Negative Pressure X-ray Chamber with the Function of Positioning Photography and Automatic Cleaning

為避免接受胸部X光篩檢病患及操作X光攝影的放射師遭新冠病毒感染，本院創新發明負壓X光艙。負壓X光艙透過空間的隔離與可移動式負壓機組成負壓X光攝影室，讓病患得以安心入內拍攝，放射師進行隔離式的作業流程。本裝置將X光片置片架與X光投射窗以紅外線定位儀量測出兩中心點，再利用創新設置的物理性滑輪組2套，以鋼繩拉繩方式和應用等重作用原理，讓放射師在ㄧ端移動投射窗時，可連動另ㄧ端的置片架，不需在X光艙兩邊奔波互相定位，讓整個攝影流程更迅速、更精準。此外，本裝置設備以創新手法，裝設一台自動漂白水噴霧機作為X光艙內部的消毒，結合自動控制系統，在於清潔人員未除污之前，先行自動噴霧消毒作業。本X光艙創新設計降低儀器準備與消毒、放射師穿脫防護衣的時間、平均每位病人X光攝影時間可節省13.9分鐘，亦可降低放射師曝露於污染環境中被感染的風險，減少防疫物資的損耗，具有降低移動式X光機包覆與儀器被污染風險的預防措施；當病人攝影完成離開後，可立即啟動自動噴霧機進行消毒作業，相對提高清潔人員入艙清潔除污的安全性。本裝置達到環境安全、病人安全、醫技人員安全的三全成效。

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we invented a negative-pressure X-ray examination room to prevent transmission of the infection from patients to staff members during X-ray examination. To provide an infection-free X-ray examination environment for patients and staff members, the negative-pressure X-ray examination room comprised an isolation room with a portable negative-pressure device. To enable radiology technicians obtain quick and precise recordings under such conditions, this device featured an innovative design. We installed two sets of pulleys with steel rope based on the principle of equal weight, and we located the center point for the X-ray film and X-ray equipment by using an infrared locator at the front and back. The technician can use these points as a fixed focus position to record clear images. Additionally, this device was equipped with an automatic water sprayer. Before manual decontamination, this water sprayer can perform automatic sterilization of the room. Our results revealed the following effects of this innovative design. First, the device reduced the time required for instrument preparation and disinfection, and radiologists were not required to wear and then take off protective clothing. This resulted in an average reduction of 13.9 minutes for X-ray examinations and lessened the risk of infection exposure for the radiology technician. Second, the device reduced the consumption of epidemic prevention supplies because shielding cover materials were not required to prevent the infection. Third, the device increased safety for cleaning staff. After the X-ray examination is completed and the cabin is cleared, the automatic water sprayer can perform cabin sterilization. Then, cleaning staff can conduct cabin decontamination. Therefore, this device has positive effects for environmental safety, patient safety, and the staff of medical technology safety.