Proposal for testing ventilation systems to control microbial contamination in surgical operating rooms

Surgical operating rooms are air conditioned, not only to provide comfortable conditions for the occupants, but to reduce airborne microbial contamination and the incidence of surgical site infections. To protect patients' health and not waste resources, it is necessary to demonstrate that the ventilation systems of operating rooms provide the required airborne microbial cleanliness. Discussed in this article are the engineering properties of ventilation systems needed to control airborne microbial contamination in both conventionally ventilated and unidirectional airflow operating rooms, and how these properties should be investigated and tested to show they function correctly. Also discussed is how to confirm that engineering tests have been carried out correctly by measuring microbial airborne contamination in an empty operating room.