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An evaluation of a partial-walled laminar-flow operating room.

W Whyte, B H Shaw, M A Freeman

The Journal of Hygiene

|August 1, 1974

Summary

This study assessed a partial-walled laminar-flow operating room, finding it significantly reduces airborne bacteria compared to conventional rooms. While less efficient than fully-walled systems, its design offers improved operating team mobility.

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Area of Science:

Healthcare Engineering
Infection Control
Operating Room Design

Background:

Conventional operating rooms face challenges with airborne contamination.
Laminar-flow systems aim to create sterile environments through controlled airflow.
The efficacy of partially-walled laminar-flow systems requires detailed assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the physical performance of a permanently installed, partially-walled, down-flow laminar-flow operating room.
To compare its effectiveness against free-issuing and fully-walled systems.
To assess airborne bacterial and dust levels during surgical procedures.

Main Methods:

Physical performance assessment of a partial-wall laminar-flow system.
Comparison of air velocity and bacterial counts with free-issuing and fully-walled systems.
Airborne bacterial and dust sampling during total hip replacement surgeries.

Main Results:

The partial-walled system demonstrated a 20-25% loss in air velocity compared to fully-walled systems.
Airborne bacterial counts were approximately 30 times lower than in conventional operating rooms (0.3 bacteria/ft³).
Entrainment of contaminated air was observed but deemed low risk at the wound site.

Conclusions:

The partial-walled laminar-flow system provides a highly sterile environment, significantly reducing airborne bacteria.
Despite a slight reduction in efficiency compared to fully-walled systems, the enhanced mobility and communication for surgical teams may offer advantages.
The system's low noise levels facilitate clear communication during procedures.

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