Cost-benefit analysis of OR air change rates

Editor's Note

Increasing OR ventilation rates to improve outcomes and reduce surgical site infections did not provide cleaner air but did increase operating costs in this study.

Air quality was measured at different ventilation rates in three ORs. Increasing air change rates did not provide an overall cleaner environment. Significant differences in microbial load and air velocity were detected between the sterile field and back instrument tables, which could lead to contamination of instruments.

Estimates of the financial cost of higher OR ventilation rates found substantially increased energy consumption and costs.

Efficient distribution or management of the air can improve quality indicators and potentially reduce the number of air changes required, the authors say.

Increasing the ventilation rates in operating rooms in an effort to improve clinical outcomes and potentially reduce surgical site infections does not necessarily provide cleaner air, but does typically increase operating costs. Efficient distribution or management of the air can improve quality indicators and potentially reduce the number of air changes required.

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