Covering the instrument table decreases bacterial bioburden: An evaluation of environmental quality indicators.

BACKGROUND: Covering the instrument table during surgery may decrease contamination. We hypothesized that (1) covering the instrument table in an operating room (OR) during static periods of nonuse and dynamic periods of active use would dramatically decrease the bacterial bioburden on the table, and (2) the use of sterile plastic table covers would be equivalent to sterile impervious paper covers in reducing the bioburden in a dynamic environment.

METHODS: Bacterial contamination of the instrument table was evaluated by settle plates in static and dynamic ORs. Airborne particulate and bacterial contaminants were sampled throughout the room. Tested groups included instrument tables covered with sterile impervious paper covers, sterile plastic covers, or no covers.

RESULTS: Covering the instrument table during static and dynamic operating room conditions resulted in a significantly decreased bacterial load on the instrument table. No differences were seen between paper and plastic covers.

CONCLUSIONS: A significant decrease in bacterial bioburden on the instrument table when the table was covered during static and dynamic periods was observed, suggesting the utility for covering the instrument table during periods of nonuse and during active surgeries.