Evaluation of a mobile surgical air decontamination device in reducing airborne microbial load in the operating theatre of a tertiary care hospital
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction Microbiological air quality in the operation theatres (OT) plays a key role in preventing the surgical site infections (SSI). The airborne particulate matter and as well as the microbes increase the risk of contamination during surgical procedures. Mobile air decontamination devices that integrate the high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration with ultraviolet (UV-C) sterilization systems function as adjuncts to conventional ventilation systems to reduce airborne microbial load and also improve microbiological air quality. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a mobile air decontamination device in reducing the airborne particle matter and also the microbial load in operation theatres of a tertiary care hospital Methods A prospective interventional study was conducted over a period of 15 days at an OT of a tertiary care hospital of New Delhi in July 2025. Air sampling for particle counts and colony forming units (CFU) were performed before and after device activation during routine OT functioning. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results The mean total particle count decreased from 6835.57 particles/m 3 to 4071.97 particles/m 3 after activation and showing an overall reduction of 40.42%. Significant reductions were seen in the particle sizes 0.3 μm (p = 0.0061) and 0.5 μm (p = 0.0088). The mean airborne microbial load showed significant reduction from 34.47 CFU/m 3 to 15.20 CFU/m 3 (p = 0.0033). The reduction in the microbial counts was consistent inspite of the variations in OT activity. Conclusion The mobile air decontamination device significantly improved the quality of air in the operation theatre and can be used as an adjunct to existing ventilation systems.
Source: Infection Prevention in Practice
Institution: Army Hospital Research and Referral
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,500
OpenAlex ID: W7204154358