Ultraviolet Radiation Compared to an Ultra - Clean Air Enclosure 813

Clean air in the operating room is important during joint replacement surgery. We compared monochromatic ultraviolet radiation of254 nm with the use ofa Charnley-Howorth air enclosure by bacterial air-sampling during 113 total hip arthroplasties. Air samples were taken continuously at the edge of the wound and every 15 minutes at a site 130 cm from the operating table. We also tested the effect of occlusive clothing for all personnel. Ultraviolet light was more efficient than the ultra-clean air enclosure, and occlusive clothing on own or in combination also produced improvement. The implications of these findings are discussed.