In preparing for a regulatory survey, what must be ensured about the airflow in OR rooms?

In preparing for a regulatory survey, ensuring that the airflow in operating room (OR) rooms is cleaned by HEPA filters is crucial for maintaining a sterile environment and preventing surgical site infections. HEPA filters are designed to remove a high percentage of airborne particles, including bacteria and dust, which is essential in a setting where maintaining a clean surgical field is critical.

Regulatory standards, such as those set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), stipulate that the air supplied to ORs must be filtered to minimize contaminants, thereby enhancing patient safety during surgical procedures. This filtration not only helps in reducing infection rates but also supports overall environmental control, which is a fundamental aspect of perioperative care.

Other options, while related to airflow, do not meet the necessary standards for maintaining a sterile surgical environment. Modifying airflow based on procedures may compromise sterility, relying solely on natural ventilation would not sufficiently control airborne contaminants, and simply exchanging air every hour is inadequate for the stringent requirements of an OR.