Adhering to the New AORN Guidelines with Illuvia® Sense
New AORN Guidelines
As of April 18, 2024, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) updated its Guideline for Sterile Technique, placing increased emphasis on air quality management in surgical environments. These changes are designed to help healthcare facilities significantly reduce the risk of Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) by implementing robust air quality strategies during surgical procedures.
The guideline specifically addresses air quality in operating rooms and other sterile areas, introducing several key recommendations for healthcare facilities:
Recommendation 9.4:
The healthcare organization should implement strategies to reduce the risk of airborne environmental contamination in rooms where surgical or other invasive procedures are performed.
Recommendation 9.5:
A perioperative air quality management program may be used as a strategy to reduce the risk of airborne environmental contamination in rooms where operative and other invasive procedures are performed.
Recommendation 9.5.2:
This recommendation includes elements that may be included in a perioperative air quality management program, such as incorporating a supplemental air cleaning device.
Recommendation 9.5.3:
When an SSI is identified, SSI surveillance may include a review of the air quality sampling data from the OR where the procedure was performed and the recorded or observed equipment, environment, and personnel factors.
Adapted from the AORN 2024 Sterile Technique Guideline,
electronically accessed from www.aornguidelines.org on April 18, 2024
These updates encourage healthcare providers to adopt advanced technologies and protocols that ensure cleaner air during surgeries while also providing ongoing monitoring to maintain high safety standards.
Exceed the New AORN Guidelines with Illuvia Sense
Aerobiotix’s Illuvia Sense is uniquely positioned to help healthcare facilities exceed the new AORN guidelines. This device delivers continuous air decontamination and real-time monitoring, ensuring optimal air quality in operating rooms.
Significant Reduction of Airborne Contaminants:
Illuvia Sense is proven to reduce airborne bacteria, viruses, and spores by up to 99%, effectively minimizing the risk of SSIs to help bring your healthcare organization up to date with Recommendation 9.4.
Real-Time Environmental Monitoring:
Equipped with smart sensing technology, Illuvia Sense continuously monitors air quality, providing actionable data to support compliance with the AORN’s air quality standards. This proactive approach ensures that operating rooms maintain air quality levels that meet regulatory requirements and support Recommendation 9.5.
Seamless Integration:
Illuvia Sense operates autonomously without disrupting existing workflows, allowing surgical teams to focus on patient care. The system integrates easily into current hospital infrastructures, offering a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for providing HVAC performance data and supplemental air cleaning in accordance with Recommendation 9.5.2.
Data Collection for SSI Surveillance and Data-Driven Protection:
In line with Recommendation 9.5.3, Illuvia Sense provides comprehensive air quality data that can be used during SSI surveillance, ensuring that all air quality metrics are reviewed when investigating infection sources.
Evidence-Based Compliance:
Illuvia Sense aligns with national and international air quality standards, including AORN, ASHRAE 170, and local regulations, making it a critical tool in any facility’s air management program.
Request Your Free In-Facility Trial
Ensure your healthcare facility meets the new AORN Guidelines with Illuvia Sense. Request a complimentary in-facility trial to experience how Illuvia Sense can help reduce SSI risks, improve surgical safety, and streamline your air quality management program.
Contact us today to schedule your free trial to help your healthcare facility enhance its infection control protocols, effectively surpassing the new AORN air quality management guidelines.
