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

The recommendation for air exchanges in an operating room is based on maintaining a safe and clean environment to reduce the risk of surgical site infections and to ensure the health and safety of both the surgical team and the patient. The guideline is that an operating room should have a minimum of 15 air exchanges per hour. This standard helps to dilute and remove airborne contaminants, including bacteria, from the surgical site, ensuring a sterile environment conducive to surgery.

Increasing air exchanges beyond the minimum can provide additional safety, but 15 exchanges are generally sufficient to meet ventilation and air quality requirements in surgical settings. This standard is supported by various health authorities and organizations involved in infection control and surgical practices, highlighting its importance in promoting a safe surgical environment.