The study evaluated the air quality in two laminar flow operating rooms and found background tracer particle concentrations reduced four to five log by the laminar flow system. The researchers found no statistically significant or clinically important differences when using the forced air blower, ambient air and high temperature, according to the report. The researchers also reported that the forced-air warming system “did not create an upward draft or interfere with normal and effective functions of the laminar process” and recommended that “forced-air warming remains an appropriate intraoperative warming method when laminar flow is used.”
A second report from the ECRI Institute found insufficient evidence to support changes in current forced-air warming practice. Read the report, “Forced-Air Warming and Surgical Site Infections.”
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