The document outlines the design considerations for an operating room (OR) suite, emphasizing the importance of space allocations and traffic patterns for efficiency and safety. It delineates unrestricted, semi-restricted, and restricted areas for personnel and patient movement, highlighting the need for proper attire and designated spaces for various pre-operative and post-operative procedures. Additionally, it discusses the need for support areas, central control desks, and classrooms to facilitate effective healthcare delivery.

2. SPACE ALLOCATIONS AND TRAFFIC PATTERNS
Space is allocated within the OR suite to
provide for the work to be done, with
considerations given to the efficiency within
which it can be accomplished. The OR suite
should be large enough to allow for correct
technique yet small enough to minimize the
movements of the patient, personnel and
supplies.
Provision must be made for traffic control.
The type of design will predetermine traffic
patterns. All persons – staff, patients, and
visitors – should follow the delineated
patterns in appropriate time.

3. UNRESTRICTED AREA
Street clothes are permitted. A corridor on the periphery
accommodates traffic from the outside; including patients.
This area is isolated by doors from the main hospital
corridor, elevators and form the areas of the OR suite.
SEMI-RESTRICTED AREA
Traffic is limited to properly attired personnel. Body and
head coverings are required. This area includes peripheral
support areas and access to corridors to the Ors.
RESTRICTED AREA
Masks are required to supplement the OR attire. Sterile
procedures are carried out in the OR. The area also includes
scrub sink areas and sub sterile rooms or clean core area
where unwrapped supplies are sterilized.

4.  PRE-OPERATIVE CHECK-IN UNIT
If remote same-day procedure is not available for admission
of patients who arrive shortly before a surgical procedure, facilities
must be provided within the unrestricted area of the OR suite for
patients from street clothes to gown. Lockers should be provided
for safeguarding patient’s clothes.
 PRE-OPERATIVE HOLDING AREA
A designated room or area should be available for patients
to wait in the OR suite that shields them from potentially
distressing sights or sounds. Hair removal and insertion of
intravenous (IV) lines, indwelling catheters, and/or gastric tubes
may be done.
 INDUCTION ROOM
It is where the patient waits and is prepared pre-operatively
before administration of anesthesia. Invasive IV lines and/or
regional anesthesia may be administered in this area.

5.  POST-ANESTHESIA CARE UNIT (PACU)
The PACU may be outside the OR suite, or it may be
adjacent to the suite so that it may be incorporated into the
unrestricted areas with access from both the semi-restricted area
and an outside corridor. In the latter design, the PACU becomes a
vestibular area for the departure of patients.
 DRESSING ROOM AND LOUNGES
Dressing room must be provided for both men and women
to change from street clothes into OR attire before entering the
semi-restricted area, and vice versa. Lockers are usually provided.
Doors separate this area from lavatory facilities and adjacent
lounges.
 PERIPHERAL SUPPORT AREAS
Adequate space must be allocated to accommodate the
needs of the OR personnel and support services.

6.  CENTRAL CONTROL DESK
- From a central control point, traffic in and out of the OR
suite may be observed. This area usually is within the unrestricted
area.
 CONFERENCE ROOMS/CLASSROOM
- A conference or a classroom is located within the semi-
restricted area. This is used for patient care staff in cervical staff
for teaching.
 SUPPORT SERVICE
- The size of the health care facility and the types of services
provided, determine whether laboratory and radiology equipment is
needed within the OR suite.