Observational study on hospital building heritage and microbiological air quality in the orthopedic operating theater. The IM.PA.C.T. Project
Background. The study investigated 35 orthopedic OTs [17 with mixed flow (M-OTs), 18 with turbulentflow (T-OTs)].
Methods. The OTs were divided into two categories based on recurring architectural and construction solutions, collected by a survey form: type-A (recently built or renovated rooms), and type-B (other OTs). Assessment of microbial air contamination (colony forming units (cfu)/m3 obtained by active sampling via Surface Air System) was then performed.