Table 1

Comparison of the mean number of colonies


Mean number of colonies




Site (see Fig. 1)
Start of operation
End of operation
Mean change

Operating room air (A1–A3)
112.9 (82–296)
71.7 (62–162)
36.4% reduction
Exhaust (B1 and B2)
31.6 (22–90)
28.6 (15–86)
9.5% reduction
Hose/filter (C)
0
0
-
Wound (D)
0
0
-

Values are expressed as mean (range).

Huang et al. Critical Care 2003 7:R13   doi:10.1186/cc1888