[Splash basins are contaminated even during operations in a laminar air flow environment]

Abstract

Few studies have investigated the potential contamination of splash basins and they have shown very divergent results: contamination ranging from 2.13% to 74% has been reported. This study set out to examine if splash basins used in a laminar air flow (LAF) environment during elective knee and hip arthroplasty constitute an unnecessary risk. Of the 49 cases sampled two cultures were positive (4%; 95% confidence interval = 0.49-13.9). We conclude that splash basins do get contaminated even in an LAF environment. Further studies with larger populations are needed to validate our findings.