What is the minimum air filtration MERV rating generally recommended for general surgery operating rooms, according to ASHRAE Standard 170?

According to ASHRAE Standard 170, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities, the minimum recommended MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating for air filters in general surgery operating rooms is MERV 16. MERV ratings indicate a filter's ability to capture particles of different sizes, ranging from 1 to 16, with higher numbers indicating better filtration. MERV 16 filters are capable of capturing at least 95% of particles 0.3 to 1.0 μm in size and at least 85% of particles 0.3 to 0.5 μm in size. This level of filtration is crucial in operating rooms to control airborne contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and surgical smoke, helping to minimize the risk of surgical site infections and protect both patients and healthcare staff. While HEPA filters, which offer even higher filtration efficiency, may be used in some operating rooms or in specific applications, MERV 16 is the generally accepted minimum requirement as defined by ASHRAE Standard 170.