What defines a positive pressure room?

A positive pressure room is defined by its ability to maintain higher pressure relative to the surrounding areas. This setup ensures that air flows out of the room rather than being drawn in from adjacent spaces. The primary purpose of maintaining positive pressure is to protect the environment within the room from external contaminants, making it particularly important in settings such as hospitals or laboratories where sterile conditions are critical.

The concept of air pressure is vital in managing infection control and ensuring that sensitive materials, like sterile pharmaceuticals or laboratory samples, are kept free from pollutants and pathogens that could compromise safety and efficacy. Therefore, the establishment of positive pressure is an essential component of practices in areas where sterility must be strictly observed.

In contrast, negative pressure rooms, which are used to isolate contagious patients, function inversely, where air is drawn into the room to prevent contamination from spreading outside. Understanding these principles is crucial for professionals managing environments that require strict control of air quality and contamination.