Clinical Application and Evaluation of Rapid Detection Technology for Airborne Microorganisms in Operating Rooms

Background: Airborne microorganisms in operating rooms (ORs) pose significant risks for surgical site infections (SSIs), leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. Traditional microbial detection methods often fail to provide timely results, limiting prompt intervention. Rapid detection technologies have emerged as potential solutions for immediate airborne pathogen monitoring and improved infection control. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and practical utility of rapid airborne microbial detection technology in OR settings, specifically investigating its effects on response times, postoperative infection rates, staff workload, and fatigue. Methods: A total of 84 patients scheduled for elective hemorrhoidectomy at a tertiary hospital were randomized into experimental (n = 42) and control groups (n = 42) using computer-generated block randomization with allocation concealment via sealed opaque envelopes. The experimental group employed the AirSamplR-2000 Bioaerosol Sensor (Model XR-200, AirTech Innovations, USA), providing real-time microbial alerts, while the control group utilized conventional air sampling with delayed microbial culture results. Baseline and postoperative fatigue levels were measured immediately before and after procedures using the Likert fatigue scale. Staff workload was assessed post-procedure with the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Response times, postoperative infection rates, and subjective measures were statistically analyzed with independent t-tests and Chi-square tests, with significance defined as p Results: The experimental group exhibited significantly faster response times to microbial contamination alerts compared to the control group (3.1 ± 0.6 vs. 4.5 ± 0.9 seconds; p 0.05). Staff in the experimental group reported significantly lower workload (NASA-TLX: 52.3 ± 10.5 vs. 68.7 ± 9.2) and fatigue scores (Likert scale: 2.8 ± 0.7 vs. 4.2 ± 1.0; both p Conclusion: Rapid detection technology for airborne microorganisms significantly improved response efficiency and reduced occupational fatigue among healthcare staff, although it did not result in statistically significant reductions in postoperative infection rates. Given the operational advantages and enhanced staff well-being, broader adoption and further investigation into diverse surgical settings are recommended.