[Verification of bacteriological safety of PCM 40 air conditioner].
This study assessed the bacteriological safety of the bedside air conditioner PCM 40 (Howorth Airtech), used for prevention of intraoperative hypothermia, by blowing filtered warm air through a special mattress. The 3 microns bacterial filter of the device released 2,968 +/- 5,618 particles of diameter less than 3 microns per m3 of room air, containing 78,798 +/- 37,243 of such particles per m3. The amount of bacteries in the air pulsed from the mattress was 30 +/- 41 cfu/m3 vs 120 cfu/m3 in the ambient air and in the hot air supply tubing it reached 6 +/- 5 cfu/m3 vs 175 +/- 77 cfu/m3. It is concluded that bacteriological data do not contra-indicate the use of this air conditioner in the operating theater. The only limitations for use are the position (prone or lateral position) and type of surgery (neurosurgery).
Dumas
J L
JL
Pharmacien. Centre Hospitalier, Thonon-les-Bains.
Ducel
G
G
Rouge
J C
JC
D000389:Air Conditioning / Q000592:standards; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D001513:Beds; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D009873:Operating Rooms
Vérification de l'inocuité bactériologique du climatiseur PCM 40.