Test of a Novel Concept for Prevention of Postoperative Infections in Low-Income Countries

Paper in proceeding, 2025

As part of the preparation for an intervention campaign in Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo, several full-scale pilot experimental tests were conducted in September 2024 at a hospital north of Gothenburg, Sweden. To simulate an operating room in a basic setting, a staff room in a sectoon for surgical emergency care was used. Microbial airborne contamination levels were studied using traditional agar plates and active microbiological air sampling. Additionally, airborne particle counts were monitored.
The tests were performed under simulated surgery conditions, considering the number of people, movements, clothing quality, room size, and furniture. Three types of clothing sets were tested: cotton clothes, disposable protective clothing, and the latter with airtight footwear added. By alternately turning room air cleaners (fan-filter-units) and a supply air fan on and off, their impact on air quality was evaluated.
The air cleaners reduced particle content by approximately 10 to 70 times, depending on the particle diameter, and the bacterial content decreased by approximately 10 to 15 times. The results clearly demonstrated the importance of surgical clothing for the level of airborne bacteria in the room. Further improvement was observed when the feet were covered.