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JoVE Science Education Coronavirus / COVID-19 Procedures
COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak: A Rapidly Deployable Medical Facility Optimized for Epidemics (Smart Pod)

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak: A Rapidly Deployable Medical Facility Optimized for Epidemics (Smart Pod)

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Overview

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that healthcare providers perform screening tests on patients with symptoms of COVID-19 in an isolated room to protect other patients from potential exposure to the virus. 

The Smart Pod, a rapidly deployable medical facility that was designed in the wake of the Ebola virus, can serve as a biocontainment unit for airborne pathogens. This emergency solution has been developed by Baylor College of Medicine as a nimble, standardized facility that is optimized for epidemics. 

The expandable, 403 ft2 facility has the dimensions of a standard shipping container in its folded and most compact form. It can be easily transported and reassembled, providing a rapid option for augmenting limited resources. The Smart Pod is a one-stop solution for epidemics, with supplies and equipment inside the pod. 

In the unit, infection control is strengthened with antimicrobial flooring, HEPA filters, and a UVC lighting system proven to eliminate 99.7% of pathogens, including airborne pathogens like COVID-19. This relocatable clinic can be constructed with a negative pressure system, allowing for the elimination of contaminated air. 

Procedure

The CDC recommends that patient screening for COVID-19 is performed in an isolated room behind closed doors to protect other patients from potential exposure to the virus. The SmartPod is a rapidly deployable medical facility that can serve as a biocontainment unit for airborne pathogens.

This emergency solution has been developed by Baylor College of Medicine as a nimble standardized facility that is optimized for epidemics. In its folded and most compact form, the facility has the dimensions of a standard shipping container. It can be easily transported and reassembled into a 403 square foot facility providing a rapid option for augmenting limited resources.

The SmartPod holds all necessary supplies and equipment. Inside the unit, infection control is strengthened with antimicrobial flooring, HEPA filters, and a UVC lighting system proven to eliminate 99.7% of pathogens, including airborne pathogens like COVID-19. Furthermore, this relocatable clinic can be constructed with a negative pressure system allowing for the elimination of contaminated air.

Disclosures

No conflicts of interest declared. Neither the authors nor the institution financially benefits from the Smart Pods.   

Transcript

The CDC recommends that patient screening for COVID-19 is performed in an isolated room behind closed doors to protect other patients from potential exposure to the virus. The SmartPod is a rapidly deployable medical facility that can serve as a biocontainment unit for airborne pathogens.

This emergency solution has been developed by Baylor College of Medicine as a nimble standardized facility that is optimized for epidemics. In its folded and most compact form, the facility has the dimensions of a standard shipping container. It can be easily transported and reassembled into a 403 square foot facility providing a rapid option for augmenting limited resources.

The SmartPod holds all necessary supplies and equipment. Inside the unit, infection control is strengthened with antimicrobial flooring, HEPA filters, and a UVC lighting system proven to eliminate 99.7% of pathogens, including airborne pathogens like COVID-19. Furthermore, this relocatable clinic can be constructed with a negative pressure system allowing for the elimination of contaminated air.

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JoVE Science Education Database. JoVE Science Education. COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak: A Rapidly Deployable Medical Facility Optimized for Epidemics (Smart Pod). JoVE, Cambridge, MA, (2020).