Introduction
Hospital units with a high epidemiological risk need stricter planning, microclimate and cleanliness than ordinary wards, because infection, surgical-site complications and nosocomial spread are most likely there. This topic covers the operating theatre (operation block), the hospital (clinic) for delivery and gynaecological diseases, and the clinical pathology clinic.
Operating theatre (room)
The operation block has several divisions: the operation room, the room for washing, the shock room etc. They must be well planned and joined by good communications, so that the flows of patients, staff, clean and used material do not cross.
Requirements for the operation room
- Floor area no less than 40 m² and height 3 m.
- Rooms facing north.
- Lighting 1250–20 000 lux over the operating area.
- Microclimate: air temperature 22–26 °C, relative humidity 50–60%, air velocity 0.2–0.3 m/s; microorganisms (MO) in the air no more than 10.
- Ventilation with water filters (8–10 air changes per hour, rate frequency).
- UV radiation lamps for prevention of post-operative complications and nosocomial infections.
Modern operating rooms that meet current air standards are virtually free of particles larger than 0.5 µm (including bacteria) when no people are in the room. People are the main source of airborne contamination, so the number of persons present and their movement are kept to a minimum.
General principles
- Walls, floor and ceiling are smooth, washable and resistant to disinfectants.
- Strict separation of clean (aseptic) and dirty zones; staff enter through a changing and washing room in sterile clothing, cap, mask and gloves.
- Wet cleaning and disinfection after each operation and at the end of the day; regular bacteriological control of air, surfaces and hands.
- Instruments, dressings and linen are sterilised.