Page 104 - policy and procedure infection control

Policies and Procedures on Infection Control

ii. Clean or semi-restricted zone: This zone contains:
- The sterile supplies store
- An anesthetic room
- A recovery area

- A scrub-up area
- A clean corridor
- Rest rooms for the staff.
Staff must change into theatre clothes and shoes before entering this area, but there
is no need for a mask, gloves, or a gown. There should be unidirectional access from
the above area to the aseptic area i.e. the operating theater, preferably via the scrub-up
area. The OT should be restricted to just the personnel involved in the actual operation.
iii. Aseptic or restricted zone: This zone should be restricted to the working team.
It includes:
- The operating theatre.
- The sterile preparation room (preparation of sterile surgical instruments and
equipment)
Staff working in this area should change into theatre clothes, should wear masks
and gowns, and, where necessary, should wear sterile gloves.

6.3.4 Doors
1. The doors to the OT should be kept closed except as necessary for passage of the
patient, personnel, supplies and equipment. If the door is left open, the positive air
pressure in the hallway should be operational.
2. Disrupted pressurization mixes the clean air of the OT with the corridor air, which
has a higher microbial count. Cabinet doors should remain closed.

6.3.5. Temperature and Humidity
1. The temperature and the humidity play a very important role in maintaining staff and
patient comfort. It must be carefully regulated and monitored continuously.
2. Room temperature must be maintained between 18°C to 21°C at all times.
3. Humidity should be maintained at 50% to 60%.
4. The operating room should be 1ºC cooler than the outer area. This aids in the outward
movement of air because the warmer air in the outer area rises and the cooler air
from within the operating theatre moves to replace it.

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