PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - al-Wali, W
AU  - Kibbler, C C
AU  - McLaughlin, J E
TI  - Bacteriological evaluation of a down-draught necropsy table ventilation system.
AID  - 10.1136/jcp.46.8.746
DP  - 1993 Aug 01
TA  - Journal of Clinical Pathology
PG  - 746--749
VI  - 46
IP  - 8
4099  - http://jcp.bmj.com/content/46/8/746.short
4100  - http://jcp.bmj.com/content/46/8/746.full
SO  - J Clin Pathol1993 Aug 01; 46
AB  - AIMS--To evaluate the microbiological efficacy of a down-draught necropsy table ventilation system (which surrounds the cadaver with a "curtain" of air under continuous extraction) during post mortem procedures. METHODS--Air sampling was carried out both in the presence and absence of staff and cadaver and during a full post mortem procedure, with functioning and non-functioning table air extraction. The penetration of the air "curtain" was also examined during the use of an oscillating bone saw by means of a tracer organism, Bacillus subtilis var niger, painted on to the skull. RESULTS--There was little difference between bacterial counts obtained in the presence of staff only, staff plus cadaver, or during a post mortem examination. With all counts obtained, however, there was a two to three-fold reduction when the ventilation was in operation compared with when the extract duct was occluded. Using the tracer organism, a two to three log reduction in counts was shown when the "curtain" was in operation during the use of the oscillating bone saw. CONCLUSIONS--These results suggest that the system provides potential protection for post mortem room staff against airborne infections.