Studies on the mode of bacterial contamination of an operating theatre corridor floor.

Bacterial contamination of the floor of a corridor leading into an operating theatre suite was studied in relation to the site chosen for changing footwear. Recovery of bacteria showed a peak at the site of exchange of footwear, and decreased with increasing distance from the site. When the site of exchange was moved further away from the clean area, the peak of contamination moved to the new site and bacterial contamination decreased in the clean area. These results indicate that exchange of footwear should occur as far from the operating theatre as possible.