The operating room is one of the most critical environments in a hospital, and the quality of the air in the operating room plays a critical role in the success of surgery. Therefore, the research and application of air culture methods in the operating room is particularly important. In this article, we will introduce the principles, steps and related precautions of the operating room air culture method.

I. Principle of operating room air culture
Various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses may exist in the air in the operating room, and these microorganisms may cause potential harm to the health of surgical patients. The purpose of operating room air culture is to understand the types and number of microorganisms in the operating room by sampling and culturing the microorganisms in the air, so as to take corresponding control and preventive measures.
Steps of operating room air culture
1. Select the appropriate sampling apparatus: operating room air culture requires the use of specialized air sampling apparatus, common suspended particulate sampler and air quality sampler. According to the actual need to choose the appropriate sampling apparatus. 2.
2. Sampling location selection: different areas in the operating room may have different levels of microbial contamination, so you need to choose the sampling location according to the actual situation. Generally speaking, the area around the operating table, air conditioning vents and other areas are common sampling points.
3. Sampling operation: Before sampling, sampling instruments need to be sterilized to avoid cross-contamination. Then place the sampling instruments in the predetermined location, according to the instructions of the sampling instruments to carry out sampling operations.
4. Sample processing: After sampling, seal the sampling apparatus and send it to the laboratory for sample processing. Generally speaking, it can be used to culture and isolate microorganisms by coating method, filter membrane method and other methods.
5. Cultivation and identification: The samples will be cultured and incubated on suitable medium. According to different microbial characteristics, different culture conditions and media can be used. After the incubation, the colonies are identified by morphology, biochemistry and other methods.

C. Precautions for air culture in operating room
1. Strictly observe the aseptic operation specification in order to avoid contamination of the samples.
2. pay attention to the control of sampling time and sampling volume during the sampling process to ensure the representativeness of the samples.
3. Strictly observe the corresponding operation specification when carrying out cultivation and identification in order to avoid misjudgment and wrong results.
4. pay attention to the quality and sterilization of the culture medium in the process of culture to ensure the reliability of culture.
5. During the identification process, attention should be paid to the observation of the morphology, color, odor and other characteristics of the colony in order to accurately identify the microbial species.