Theatre ventilation. A comparison of design and observed values
Male, C.G.
British Journal of Anaesthesia 50(12): 1257-1263
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0007-0912 PMID: 747696 Document Number: 130586
The ventilation rates of 23 operating theaters were tested randomly. These varied widely from design specifications (-43 to +40%). One modern theater was studied intensively for 6 mo. and the causes of poor ventilation determined. Preventative maintenance schemes are justified by a positive relationship with plant performance. The influence of theater ventilation on contamination with anesthetic agents and the medico-legal implications of poor theater ventilation are discussed. There is a need for main duct airflow signals, displayed in theater, to warn personnel of low levels of theater ventilation.