Which description best explains the function of HEPA filtration in the OR air system?

Which description best explains the function of HEPA filtration in the OR air system?

• A. Traps and removes particulates from circulating air
• B. Sterilizes the air by killing microbes
• C. Increases airflow speed
• D. Dehumidifies the air completely

Answer: (A)

HEPA filtration in the operating room serves to physically trap and remove particulates from circulating air. As air passes through the filter, particles such as dust, skin cells, and other debris are captured, which helps reduce the number of particles that could carry microbes into the sterile field. This improves air quality and supports infection prevention, but the filter itself does not sterilize the air or kill microbes. It also doesn’t purposefully increase airflow speed, since that is determined by the HVAC system, and it isn’t designed to dehumidify the air—humidity control is handled by separate equipment.

HEPA filtration in the operating room serves to physically trap and remove particulates from circulating air. As air passes through the filter, particles such as dust, skin cells, and other debris are captured, which helps reduce the number of particles that could carry microbes into the sterile field. This improves air quality and supports infection prevention, but the filter itself does not sterilize the air or kill microbes. It also doesn’t purposefully increase airflow speed, since that is determined by the HVAC system, and it isn’t designed to dehumidify the air—humidity control is handled by separate equipment.