Operation Theatre (OT) Air Quality & HEPA Filtration Systems
Ensuring Infection-Free Surgery Through Advanced Hospital Infrastructure
Comprehensive Surgical Care in Thane – By Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
Why OT Air Quality Is Critical in Surgery
An Operation Theatre (OT) must maintain ultra-clean air to prevent:
❌ Surgical Site Infections (SSI)
❌ Post-operative sepsis
❌ Implant contamination
❌ Prolonged hospital stay
Even microscopic airborne particles can carry bacteria and settle into open surgical wounds.
That is why OT air quality control is as important as surgical skill.
What Is OT Air Quality Control?
OT air quality control refers to:
✔ Filtration of airborne particles
✔ Control of airflow direction
✔ Maintenance of pressure differentials
✔ Regulation of temperature & humidity
This is achieved using HEPA filtration and laminar airflow systems.
What Is a HEPA Filter?
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Filter is a specialized filter that:
✔ Removes 99.97% of particles ≥ 0.3 microns
✔ Filters bacteria, spores & dust
✔ Provides ultra-clean surgical air
HEPA filters are mandatory in modern OTs.
How HEPA Filtration Works in an OT
1️⃣ Fresh air intake
2️⃣ Pre-filtration of large particles
3️⃣ HEPA filtration
4️⃣ Controlled air delivery into OT
5️⃣ Exhaust air removed safely
This creates a clean, sterile air envelope around the surgical field.
Laminar Airflow System in Operation Theatres
What Is Laminar Flow?
Laminar airflow is:
✔ Unidirectional airflow
✔ Uniform velocity
✔ Minimal turbulence
Air moves vertically or horizontally, pushing contaminants away from the surgical site.
Benefits of Laminar Flow in Surgery
✔ Reduces airborne bacterial load
✔ Prevents SSI
✔ Ideal for major & implant surgeries
✔ Improves surgical outcomes
Positive Pressure in Operation Theatres
OTs are maintained at positive pressure so that:
✔ Air flows outward, not inward
✔ Contaminated corridor air does not enter OT
This is essential during:
- Abdominal surgeries
- Laparoscopic procedures
- Emergency operations
Temperature & Humidity Control in OT
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 20–23°C |
| Humidity | 40–60% |
Proper control:
✔ Improves surgeon comfort
✔ Prevents microbial growth
✔ Reduces static electricity
OT Air Changes Per Hour (ACH)
Modern OTs maintain:
✔ 20–25 air changes per hour
Higher ACH = Lower infection risk
OT Air Quality Monitoring
Regular checks include:
✔ Particle count testing
✔ Microbial air sampling
✔ HEPA integrity tests
✔ Pressure differential monitoring
Documentation is mandatory for audits.
OT Air Quality & NABH Standards
NABH-accredited hospitals must ensure:
✔ HEPA-filtered air
✔ Laminar flow (where applicable)
✔ Positive pressure OTs
✔ Regular maintenance logs
Non-compliance can lead to accreditation failure.
OT Air Quality at Aayush Multispeciality Hospital
✔ HEPA-filtered OT environment
✔ Controlled airflow systems
✔ Regular air quality audits
✔ Infection control protocols strictly followed
This ensures safe surgery and faster recovery.
Why Dr. Ankur Bhanushali Emphasizes OT Infrastructure
✔ Lower post-op infection rates
✔ Safer laparoscopic & open surgeries
✔ Better patient outcomes
✔ Ethical & evidence-based practice
Great surgery requires great infrastructure.
Aayush Multispeciality Hospital – Full Address
📍 1st Floor, Marigold Apartment, Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7
Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic – Full Address
📍 Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa Building, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6
