COVID19 Query re ASA advice around leave time for OT rooms use between pts

[Lindy Ryan]

Hello Brains trust & mathematicians

Operating theatre advice on the

https://www.asa.org.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/News/eNews/covid-19/ASA_airway_management.pdf

Post procedure
* Remove and dispose of PPE in a clinical waste bin as per local protocol.
* Remove and discard filters and breathing circuits.
* Ensure the operating theatre is cleaned as per local protocol. Most guidelines suggest the theatre
should be left empty for half an hour after use before the final clean, although this does depend on
airflow. Any staff entering the theatre within half an hour of the patient leaving must wear full PPE.
* Staff to complete personal log book of clinical exposures

Question
Just wondering if OT rooms have minimum of 20 full room air changes per hour (some rooms will have more) where does the advice of half an hour after use evolve from & if cleaning occurs afterwards has this not created a risk of recontamination (ie like when we do air sampling the room needs to be cleaned and settled prior to testing ) ? Appreciate advice or expertise to explain this to me as I will no doubt be asked & I reckon it a matter of decimals and 0.00000??? re organism and particle risk as air recirculates through the HEPAs? …as additional change will delay our cases and potentially pt safety (particularly smaller sites with limited OT)…so I am keen to be correctly informed before opening my mouth

Keep safe, well and breathing slowing

Kind regards

Lindy

Lindy Ryan

District Infection Prevention & Control CNC | Clinical Governance & Information Services MNCLHD
Level 1 Coffs Specialist Centre, Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour
Office 66911984 or Mob 0419 990 693 | lindy.ryan@health.nsw.gov.au
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au

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“Wise and humane management of the patient is the best safeguard against infection”
(Florence Nightingale Circa 1860)

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