An Intraoperative UV Air Decontamination Device Does Not Interfere with the Central Unidirectional Airflow of a Simulated Operating Room

Abstract

Operating rooms (ORs) contain central unidirectional downward air flow to inhibit surgical site infection.  Deployment of air decontamination devices in operating rooms helps maintain clean air.  These devices occasionally raise questions regarding whether they interfere with the central unidirectional air flow.  We measured the air flow in a simulated OR with a corner-stationed air recirculation on and off. The average (standard deviation) vertical air flow in the central part of the OR was 0.28 (.10) m/s when the device was off. The average (standard deviation) vertical air flow in the central part of the OR was 0.30 (.09) m/s when the device was on. Air flow in the center of the OR was not significantly affected by the air recirculation device.