Unidirectional flow in theatre plays a crucial role in sterility and preventing hospital-acquired infections during surgery.
In addition, clean air distribution is fundamental to the health and safety of the surgery team and also provides a comfortable working environment.
Unidirectional flow is characterised by streamlines that do not cross over each other but rather move parallel to one another and in one direction.
It is also characterised by low momentum convection and high momentum diffusion.
With unidirectional flow, the motion of the particles is orderly as particles close to a solid surface will move in straight lines, parallel to the surface.
There are three main sources of airborne particles or contaminants in clean air environments:
Patients who are undergoing invasive surgery are more susceptible to infection. Therefore, clean air is absolutely critical in operating theatres.
In order to create positive air pressure, the air inside the operating room should always be kept at a higher pressure than in adjacent areas and passages.
Positive air pressure prevents the flow of air from less sterile areas into clean air environments.
Unidirectional flow is a type of low velocity, orderly ventilation system. However, these systems still require a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to provide maximum efficiency and sterility.
Technically speaking and in terms of contamination control, unidirectional air flow systems are the best option for operating theatres. This is because they result in the smallest percentage of particulates impacting the surgical site.
Below are some of the specifications of our unidirectional flow units:
For a full list of specifications, click here
At Vivid Air, we value the importance of clean air and manufacture high-quality equipment to meet the minimum requirements for all clean air environments.
Our unidirectional flow units for theatre are built according to the relevant ISO standards, ensuring optimal function in operating theatres and minimising the risk of infection.
To find out more about our clean air equipment, or for more information about our unidirectional flow theatre units, please contact us.
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