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Systematic study on the relationship between particulate matter and microbial counts in hospital operating rooms

Huiyi Tan1, Keng Yinn Wong2,3, Bemgba Bevan Nyakuma4

  • 1School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|August 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Monitoring particulate matter (PM) in operating rooms (ORs) is crucial. This study found PM 5 and PM 10 correlate with microbial counts, suggesting regular monitoring for better OR hygiene.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Healthcare Engineering

Background:

  • Maintaining sterile operating room (OR) environments is critical for patient safety.
  • Particulate matter (PM) and microbial contamination are key factors affecting OR air quality.
  • Standardized procedures are needed to validate the relationship between PM and microbial levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a systematic procedure for assessing the correlation between particulate matter (PM) and microbial counts in hospital operating rooms (ORs).
  • To ensure the reliability of measurements for PM and microbial contamination in ORs.
  • To establish a basis for real-time estimation of microbial load in ORs.

Main Methods:

  • Procedures were developed adhering to ISO, IEST, and NEBB standards.
  • Key operating room parameters (air change rate, differential pressure, humidity, temperature) were verified.
  • Particulate matter (PM 0.5, PM 5, PM 10) was measured using a TSI 9510-02 particle counter.
  • Microbial counts were quantified using a MAS-100ECO air sampler.

Main Results:

  • PM 0.5 showed no significant positive correlation with microbial counts.
  • A 7% correlation was observed between PM 5 and microbial counts.
  • A 15% correlation was identified between PM 10 and microbial counts.

Conclusions:

  • PM 5 and PM 10 levels are correlated with microbial counts in operating rooms.
  • Frequent monitoring of PM 5 and PM 10 in ORs before procedures is recommended.
  • This correlation approach offers a potential method for instantaneous estimation of OR microbial load.
Keywords:
Air change rateDifferential pressureMicrobial countOnsite samplingOperating roomParticulate matter

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