Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The requirement for air exchange rates in a catheterization lab (cath lab) is based on the need to maintain a sterile and safe environment for both patients and healthcare personnel. A minimum of 15 air exchanges per hour is recommended in cath lab settings to mitigate the risks of infection and ensure that any airborne contaminants are promptly removed from the environment.

This standard is designed to effectively dilute and displace any potential airborne pathogens, anesthetic gases, or particulate matter that can result from procedures performed in these specialized areas. Higher air exchange rates help in controlling humidity, temperature, and air quality, which are crucial for patient safety and comfort during procedures.

While lower air exchange rates may be sufficient for general patient care areas, the procedures conducted in a cath lab often involve invasive techniques, thus necessitating a stricter air quality control to minimize infection risks. Therefore, the selection of 15 air exchanges per hour aligns with established infection control guidelines for such environments.