Which design feature is recommended for a sterile processing area to help prevent contamination?

• A. Positive airflow
• B. Carpeted floors
• C. Gaps around doors
• D. Inadequate ventilation

Answer: (A)

Controlling airflow and pressure is essential to keep sterile processing areas free of contaminants. Maintaining positive pressure in the clean area means air flows out toward adjacent spaces when doors open, so contaminants from hallways or less-clean zones are less likely to drift into the sterile zone. This outward flow helps keep processed items, instruments, and surfaces protected from intrusion by particles and microbes. Achieving this requires a well-designed HVAC system with adequate ventilation and HEPA filtration, plus smooth, sealed, nonporous surfaces.

Carpeted floors trap dust and microbes and are hard to clean, so they’re not suitable for sterile spaces. Gaps around doors allow unfiltered air to leak in, which undermines the positive-pressure barrier. Inadequate ventilation means too few air changes per hour, letting contaminants accumulate. So positive airflow is the design feature that best helps prevent contamination.