According to ventilation standards in an operating room (OR), how many air exchanges are recommended per hour?

In an operating room, proper ventilation is crucial to maintain a safe and sterile environment for surgical procedures. The recommendation of 15 air exchanges per hour is grounded in the need to minimize airborne contaminants and reduce the risk of surgical site infections. This standard ensures that fresh air is circulated frequently enough to dilute and remove potential pathogens, particulate matter, and other hazardous substances that may be present in the air.

Maintaining this level of air exchanges contributes to a cleaner surgical field and enhances the overall safety of both the patients and the surgical team. The practice of 15 air exchanges strikes a balance between adequate air quality, energy efficiency, and the specific requirements of an operating room setting. Lower air exchange rates may not provide sufficient protection, while excessively high rates could increase energy costs and disrupt the thermal comfort necessary for a favorable operating environment.