Operating Room Traffic Increases Aerosolized Particles and Compromises the Air Quality: A Simulated Study

Area of Science:

• Surgical Infection Prevention
• Operating Room Air Quality Management
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) prevention relies on minimizing bacterial contamination in the operating room (OR).
• OR traffic, specifically personnel movement and door openings, is a known factor influencing air quality.
• Quantitative data on the impact of personnel and door openings on OR particle density is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess the influence of personnel and door openings on OR particle density.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of laminar airflow (LAF) in reducing particle density under varying traffic conditions.

Main Methods:

• Simulated study conducted in an arthroplasty OR with and without LAF.
• Particle counts measured with increasing numbers of personnel entering the room.
• Particle counts measured with increasing door opening frequency per minute.

Main Results:

• Both personnel presence and door openings significantly correlated with increased OR particle density.
• Laminar airflow (LAF) substantially reduced particle density associated with personnel and door openings.
• With LAF, particle density per person decreased from 211.19 to 18.19 particles/ft³ (P < .001).
• With LAF, particle density per door opening rate decreased from 117.80 to 1.90 particles/ft³ (P = .017).

Conclusions:

• Personnel and door openings are major contributors to OR particle load.
• Controlling OR traffic is critical for reducing particle counts and preventing PJI.
• Laminar airflow (LAF) provides a protective effect against increased particle density from OR traffic.