1. Prevention of Airborne Contamination: Positive pressure helps prevent the entry of unfiltered air from outside the operating room, thereby reducing the risk of airborne bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants entering the sterile environment.
2. Airflow Control: By maintaining positive pressure, air is forced to flow from the cleanest areas of the operating room (such as the surgical field) to the less clean areas (such as the periphery of the room). This ensures that any contaminants generated during the surgery are directed away from the vulnerable surgical site
3. Protection of Vulnerable Patients: Positive pressure is particularly important for surgeries involving patients with compromised immune systems or open wounds, as they are more susceptible to infections.
4. Containment of Airborne Contaminants: In surgical procedures that generate aerosol plumes—for example, during the use of power tools or electrocautery—positive pressure helps contain these potentially infectious aerosols within the operating room, preventing their spread to other areas of the hospital
5. Ventilation Effectiveness: Positive pressure ensures proper ventilation within the operating room. It helps maintain consistent airflow patterns, preventing stagnant air pockets and promoting an overall cleaner environment.
6. Compliance with Standards: Maintaining positive pressure in operating theatres is also a requirement for accreditation and compliance with regulatory standards for infection control in healthcare settings
To achieve positive pressure, operating theatres are equipped with specialized ventilation systems and air handling units that constantly provide filtered, pressurized air into the room. The air pressure is carefully monitored and adjusted to ensure it remains higher than the pressure in adjacent areas of the hospital maintaining a controlled and safe environment for patients and medical personnel.