Ultraviolet radiation and ultra-clean air enclosures in operating rooms. UV-protection, economy, and comfort.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVC), as an air-cleaning method for operating rooms, has received increasing attention, due to its low cost. Recent work shows that UVC can provide ultra-clean air (< 10 CFU/m3) in the operating room. However, the UVC air-cleaning method has been criticized because of the protective clothing needed and the risk of UVC exposure for staff and patients. To evaluate the practicability of the UVC method, the aspects of UV-protection were thoroughly evaluated regarding UVC intensities and the transmission properties of clothing commonly used in the operating room. A comparison between UVC and the Charnley-Howorth enclosure, regarding the aspects of economy and comfort, was performed.