Which particule sizes and which nutrient medias should be used in order to observe microorganisms in the operating rooms?

Abstract

In the operating rooms and intensive care units, air quality plays a key role in preventing hospital acquired infections which occur due to airborne microbiological agents. The aim of this project is to evaluate the quality of air and to observe which particule sizes and nutrient medias should be used in order to identify concentrations of airborne bacteria/fungi in the operating rooms by using three different methods. These methods are passive sampling, actie sampling and particule counting methods respectively. Following the general cleaning of the operating rooms which is in accordance with ISO 144644-1:1999 (E) standard related to clean room and associated environments, measurements are performed at temperatures between 21 and 25 °C with 37-75 % relative humidity. In consequence of indications, for microbiological evaluation of air quality in the operating room by using active sampling methods, the best results are acquired with using Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) and 5 % Sheep Blood Agar with particule sizes between 4,1 and 7,1 μm.