Microbiological Surveillance of Air Quality in Cardiac Operation Theatres: Comparison of the Conventional Settle Plate Technique vs Use of an Air Sampling Device

The study compares the two-sampling technique in adult and pediatric cardiac OR, finding higher levels of bioload in adult ORs possibly due to more personnel and longer surgeries. Although settle plates offer basic contamination assessment, air samplers detect specific events efficiently. Using either air sampler or settle plate technique for microbial surveillance in cardiac ORs is suggested for monitoring and prevention of SSI.