Experimental study on the generation of aerosol particles and microorganisms from surgical staff in an operating room

Surgical site infections (SSIs) will result in longer patient stays and increased hospital costs. Airborne microbe-carrying particles are one of the main causes of SSIs, which mainly originate from the surface release of the surgical team. Therefore, an assessment of the amount of aerosol particles and microorganisms emitted by surgical staff is necessary. This study implemented an experimental chamber test method in a full-size operating room for four garment systems and nine movement combinations. The results presented the emission rates of particles and microorganisms released by the surgical staff as well as microbiome analysis. Larger areas of skin exposure may result in more microbial and particle emissions. The average microbial emission rates were 54.4 and 35.6 CFU/(person center dot min) when wearing disposable sterile surgical suit and protective clothing suit, respec-tively. The type and intensity of movement could also significantly affect the number of microorganisms and particles emitted. The quantitative results of microorganisms and particles emitted from surgical staff are ex-pected to contribute to the effective prevention of SSIs.

Automated summary

Surgical site infections (SSIs) lead to longer patient stays and higher hospital costs. Airborne microbe-carrying particles, mainly released from the surgical team, are a major cause of SSIs. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the amount of aerosol particles and microorganisms emitted by surgical staff. This study conducted experiments in a full-size operating room to evaluate four garment systems and nine movement combinations, presenting emission rates of particles and microorganisms as well as microbiome analysis by the surgical staff. Skin exposure areas and movement intensity significantly affect microbial and particle emissions. The findings contribute to the effective prevention of SSIs.