Air Quality and Surgical Site Infection

Air Quality and Surgical Site Infection

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the third-most common class of healthcare-associated infections. A low concentration of viable bacteria in the operating room (OR) is known to be an important factor in preventing SSIs. Factors that influence the level of airborne bacteria in hospital air require careful management, particularly in the OR. The accepted international definition of ultra-clean is air that contains less than 10 colony-forming units per cubic meter (CFU per /m3) and has a corresponding surface contamination rate of 350 CFU/m2h. ORs are over-pressurized by at least 15 pascal (Pa) relative to adjacent sites to prevent the penetration of potentially contaminated outside air into the OR. The air quality in the OR critically depends on the air delivery and filtration system and the characteristics of the air exchange in the OR. Within the OR, three airflow patterns can be distinguished, namely turbulent flow, horizontal laminar flow, and vertical laminar flow. Vertical laminar flow can be delivered via a variety of technologies, of which the single large diffuser is the most effective at protecting the sterile field from airborne bacterial contamination. The number of airborne particles increases with the number of people in the OR and with their movements and the number of door openings.

LEARNER OBJECTIVES:

After completing this continuing education activity, the participant should be able to:

1. Explain the mechanisms by which airborne contaminants are spread.

2. Interpret quantitative measures of air quality in the operating room.

3. Develop strategies for the control of air quality in the operating room.

4. Integrate measures for the prevention of airborne infection in the operating room into their practice.

Presented by:

Lena Fogle, BSN, RN, CNOR

I am a seasoned healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience in various roles, with over 15 years as a perioperative leader, including educator, manager, Director of nursing, and consultant. Have developed and taught various programs on topics such as:

• Surgical/perioperative

• Process design using LEAN principles

• Patient Safety

• Leadership

• Workflow analysis

• All aspects of surgical patient care

• Patient journey mapping

• Clinical excellence and evidence-based practice.

Sponsored by Steris