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Dear Sue,
“Laminar flow” is a particular type of high volume airflow that creates a “curtain” of sterile air around the operating field, and has been specifically designed for use in orthopaedic surgery. As you say, the evidence for the association of this type of air system with reduction in post-surgical infection is mixed. The rationale for use of this system of air delivery is because in most major orthopaedic surgery the wound is large and open to the air for an extended period of time. Laminar flow is designed to prevent the entry of airborne contaminants (mainly originating from the operating team) into the wound.
Cardiac catheter labs do not undergo such extensive procedures, therefore the rationale for laminar flow is not there. The optimum air supply in such areas is HEPA filtration at the point of supply to the room, with a net positive air flow to surrounding areas.
AS 1668:2-2012 section 5.3 deals with the air supply requirements for operating theatres.
Irene Wilkinson BSc(Hons) MPH
Manager, Infection Control Service
Communicable Disease Control Branch
System Peformance and Service Delivery
SA Health
Government of South Australia
Ph:(08) 7425 7170 | Fax: (08) 8226 2594 | Email: Irene.Wilkinson@sa.gov.au
http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/infectionprevention
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—–Original Message—–
From: ACIPC Infexion Connexion [mailto:AICALIST@AICALIST.ORG.AU] On Behalf Of Sue Flockhart
Sent: Monday, 6 July 2015 4:16 PM
To: AICALIST@AICALIST.ORG.AU
Subject: Hybrid Cardiac Cath Labs
Dear ICPs,
I am seeking your advice or any information you might have in relation to the use of laminar flow in hybrid cardiac cath labs. Our hospital is in the early stages of planning for a second cardiac cath lab to be built that potentially will also complete interventional radiology procedures. I have researched the topic on line and have found as many articles for laminar flow as there are against. None of the articles have referred specifically to a cardiac cath lab.
Thank you in advance.
Sue
Sue Flockhart
Manager, Infection Prevention & Control
Staff Immunisation Clinic
Ballarat Health Services
Ph-53204792
Fax-53204487
Mobile-0437856349
sueflock@bhs.org.au
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MESSAGES POSTED TO THIS LIST ARE SOLELY THE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR, AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE OPINION OF ACIPC.
The use of trade/product/commercial brand names through the list is discouraged by ACIPC. If you wish to discuss specific reference to products or services by brand or commercial names, please do this outside the list.
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