Sources of contamination in the operating room: A fluorescent particle powder study

Area of Science:

• Surgical Infection Prevention
• Operating Room Contamination Control
• Medical Device Safety

Background:

• Sterile fields are crucial for preventing surgical site infections.
• Potential sources of sterile field contamination in the operating room (OR) require investigation.
• Forced-air warming blankets and OR light manipulation are implicated as potential sources of particle contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the contribution of forced-air warming blankets to sterile field contamination.
• To assess particle dispersion from OR light manipulation onto the sterile field.
• To identify methods for reducing particle burden on the surgical field.

Main Methods:

• Fluorescent particle powder was used to simulate contamination.
• Part 1: Sterile draping on a mannequin with forced-air warming on versus off.
• Part 2: Manipulation of OR lights coated with fluorescent powder over a sterile field.

Main Results:

• Forced-air warming blankets can introduce particles to the sterile field during draping.
• Manipulation of OR lights can lead to particle contamination of the sterile field.
• The study demonstrated particle transfer from both investigated sources.

Conclusions:

• Forced-air warming blankets and OR light manipulation are significant sources of sterile field contamination.
• Proper operation and potentially modified use of these devices can mitigate particle contamination.
• Implementing controls for these sources may enhance operating room sterility.