[Performances of different types of airflow system in operating theatre].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the performance of various types of airflow system in operating theatre.


METHODS
Besançon Hospital has three types of airflow system in operating theatre: laminar (unidirectional) flow, stabilized flow and turbulent flow. We have compared performances of these airflow systems during operations by evaluating several indicators: number of airborne particles, microbial contamination, kinetics of decontamination, rate of mixing and an index of functionality.


RESULTS
At rest, performances of stabilized flow are close to these of laminar flow. On the other hand, during operations, the laminar flow is the single airflow system to reach the class B10.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggest that laminar flow should be used for prosthetic orthopaedic surgery. However, clinical studies are needed to confirm the superiority of laminar airflow systems in operating theatre.
Service d'hygiène hospitalière, CHU Jean-Minjoz, boulevard Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France. daniel.talon@ufc-chu.univ-fcomte.fr
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D
Talon
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Schoenleber
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Bertrand
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Vichard
D000391:Air Microbiology; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis; D003666:Decontamination; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D005602:France; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D009873:Operating Rooms; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D014691:Ventilation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
D000393:Air Pollutants