Overview
ISO 18706:2025 - Healthcare organization management - Pandemic response (respiratory) - Functions and quality evaluation of specimen collection booth - defines required functions, structural elements and quality-evaluation methods for specimen collection booths used in respiratory pandemic response. The standard covers both negative pressure booths and positive pressure booths, their core components (glove wall, fan module, filtration, control unit), and operational checks needed to reduce cross‑infection risks during walk‑through screening stations (WTSS). COVID‑19 is cited as an example use case.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Booth types and principles: Describes negative pressure booths (test subject inside; healthcare worker outside) and positive pressure booths, with guidance on maintaining appropriate internal pressure to control airflow and infection risk.
- Structure and materials: Requirements for cleanable, durable surfaces; elimination of sharp edges; door and frame design; accessible interior for cleaning and decontamination.
- Filtration and ventilation: Specifications for fan modules, variable-speed controls, supply/exhaust placement, pre‑filters and HEPA filters. Note: the standard references HEPA filter definition (minimum 99.97% efficiency for 0.3 µm particles).
- Functional performance checks: Methods and acceptance topics for HEPA filter leak testing, differential pressure monitoring, air change rate/air velocity, noise level, and lighting intensity.
- Operational procedures: Guidance on disinfection and ventilation cycles between samplings (aligned with ISO 5472 requirements), glove wall design, ergonomic considerations for work shelf and glove ports.
- Evaluation and annexes: Annex A (normative) covers performance evaluation procedures; Annex B (informative) addresses ergonomic sizing.
Applications and intended users
ISO 18706:2025 is intended for:
- Healthcare facility managers and infection control teams implementing WTSS or other rapid screening setups.
- Manufacturers and designers of specimen collection booths and modular screening units.
- Public health authorities and procurement professionals specifying safe booth performance for pandemic response.
- Standards developers and testing laboratories performing performance verification (HEPA leak tests, pressure and airflow measurements).
Practical applications include walk‑through screening stations, temporary screening facilities at healthcare sites, and mobile/outdoor booth deployments where controlled airflow and rapid decontamination are critical.
Related standards
- ISO 5472 - Healthcare organization management - Pandemic response (respiratory) - Walk‑through screening station
- ISO 29463‑1 - High efficiency filters and filter media for removing particles in air - Classification, testing and marking
Keywords: ISO 18706:2025, specimen collection booth, negative pressure booth, positive pressure booth, HEPA filter, pandemic response, walk‑through screening, WTSS, healthcare organization management, COVID‑19.
