What pressure should areas designated for surgery or clean equipment storage ideally maintain?

Maintaining relative positive pressure in areas designated for surgery or clean equipment storage is crucial for several reasons. These environments need to be protected from contamination by airborne pathogens or particles that could compromise sterile conditions or the health of both the subjects being operated on and the personnel involved.

Positive pressure helps ensure that any potential contaminants from adjacent areas do not enter the surgical suite or clean storage area. This is accomplished by having a higher pressure in the surgery room compared to the hallway or adjacent rooms, allowing air to flow out if doors are opened, rather than inward, which could bring in unwanted particulates or microbes.

In surgical areas, additional air filtration and ventilation systems are typically in place to filter incoming air, ensuring that it is clean and particulate-free. This also enhances the overall sterility of the environment, which is essential for successful outcomes in surgical procedures.

While negative pressure is used in certain controlled environments, such as isolation rooms for infectious cases, it is not appropriate in surgical areas where maintaining sterility is a priority. Atmospheric pressure does not provide any protective benefit, and balanced pressure does not specifically indicate a state of protection against contamination. Thus, the focus on maintaining relative positive pressure is emphasized for its role in providing a safe and sterile surgical environment.