M A Y 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 5 5
Y
ou can't see them, but they're there. Minute traces of air-
borne dust particles, skin cells and microbes are
swirling around the sterile field, waiting to touch down
on instruments, surfaces, implants and surgical wounds.
Our research has shown that numerous bacteria move
throughout the OR air, even in the presence of an adequate ventilation
system (HVAC) with laminar flow. The amount of airborne particulate
in the OR air is directly correlated to the number of people in the
room during a case — it's estimated that 30% of surgical team mem-
Charles Edmiston Jr., PhD, CIC, FIDSA, FSHEA, FAPIC | Milwaukee, Wis.
The Case for Cleaner OR Air
We're gaining a better understanding of the infection risks
posed by airborne pathogens — and how to mitigate them.
• NO FLY ZONE New air purification technology reduces airborne particulate matter above the sterile field.
