Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

The minimum air exchange requirement in surgical environments is critical for maintaining a sterile atmosphere and minimizing the risk of surgical site infections. A standard recommendation is to have at least 15 air changes per hour in operating rooms. This level of air exchange helps to dilute and remove airborne contaminants, such as bacteria and particulate matter, thereby creating a safer environment for both the surgical team and the patient.

In surgical settings, the goal is to ensure that the air is continuously refreshed. Air exchange rates are designed to balance the need for a clean environment with energy efficiency and comfort. While higher exchange rates can provide additional safety, 15 exchanges per hour represents a widely accepted minimum standard that aligns with best practices in infection control.

By having 15 air changes per hour, the risk of infection is significantly lowered, which is paramount in surgical procedures where open wounds are present. This practice is guided by infection control guidelines to protect patients from harmful pathogens that may be present in the air.