BACTERIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF A DOWN-DRAFT NECROPSY TABLE VENTILATIONSYSTEM

Aims-To evaluate the microbiological efficacy of a down-draught necrop sy table ventilation system (which surrounds the cadaver with a ''curt ain'' of air under continuous extraction) during post mortem procedure s. Methods-Air sampling was carried out both in the presence and absen ce 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 oscillat ing bone saw by means of a tracer organism, Bacillus subtilis var nige r, painted on to the skull. Results-There was little difference betwee n 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 ventilatio n was in operation compared with when the extract duct was occluded. U sing the tracer organism, a two to three log reduction in counts was s hown when the ''curtain'' was in operation during the use of the oscil lating bone saw. Conclusions-These results suggest that the system pro vides potential protection for post mortem room staff against airborne infections.