The design and testing of unidirectional airflow operating theatres

Whyte, W. , Mackintosh, C.A. and Whyte, W.M. (2022) The design and testing of unidirectional airflow operating theatres. International Journal of Ventilation, 21(3), pp. 247-262. (doi: 10.1080/14733315.2021.1889104)

Abstract

This article discusses the design of unidirectional airflow systems used to ventilate operating theatres and provide low concentrations of airborne micro-organisms during surgical operations. Also described are tests that can be used to confirm that unidirectional airflow systems are well designed and perform correctly when installed and during their lifetime. Reasons are given for the failure of unidirectional airflow systems to provide low concentrations of airborne micro-organisms and reduce joint infection rates after total joint arthroplasty when compared to conventional mixed-airflow operating theatres.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Whyte, Dr William
• Authors: Whyte, W., Mackintosh, C.A., and Whyte, W.M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
• Journal Name: International Journal of Ventilation
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 1473-3315
• ISSN (Online): 2044-4044
• Published Online: 28 April 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 Taylor and Francis
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Ventilation 21(3): 247-262
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy