What Is The Difference Between a Sterile Room And a Clean Room?

Cleanrooms and sterile rooms are two types of specialized environments designed to regulate contamination levels. While both rooms have similar goals, there are some key differences between the two. In this article, we’ll examine the differences between sterile rooms and cleanrooms.

Cleanrooms are designed to control the level of particles in the air. They are used in industries such as electronics, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals, where even a small particle can cause significant damage. Cleanrooms are classified based on the number of airborne particles allowed per cubic foot of air.

A sterile room, on the other hand, is designed to eliminate all microorganisms from the environment. It is a controlled environment that has been completely disinfected and is free from all bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Sterile rooms are commonly used in the medical industry, in applications such as surgical rooms, sterile compounding pharmacies, and tissue culture labs.

The difference in the design of the two rooms is significant. A cleanroom will have advanced filtration systems designed to capture and remove airborne particles down to a predetermined size. Sterile rooms, on the other hand, have an entirely different approach. They use physical disinfection, such as Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light, to eliminate microorganisms.

When comparing the construction of the two rooms, cleanrooms generally have a more demanding design. They almost always have closed environments, with a restricted number of personnel allowed inside. The flooring and walls are also designed to limit the creation and spreading of particles, while still maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level.

Sterile rooms are usually smaller, with an emphasis on easy to clean surfaces. The walls, flooring, and ceiling are often constructed with materials specifically designed for easy cleaning, and there will be a minimal number of entry points. Sterile rooms are often self-contained and feature their own heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Another significant difference between the two types of rooms is the required level of personal protective equipment (PPE) that those entering the rooms must wear. People entering cleanrooms must wear protective gowns, hairnets, gloves, shoe coverings, and face masks. In sterile rooms, much more extensive PPE is used, including sterile gowns, gloves, and eye protection.

In summary, sterile rooms and cleanrooms are both specialized environments that help regulate contamination levels. Cleanrooms primarily control the concentration of particles in the environment, while sterile rooms eliminate all microorganisms. The design, construction, and PPE requirements of both rooms vary significantly, with cleanrooms having a more stringent construction and PPE requirement.

                 

                 

     

Suzhou Pharma Machinery Co.,Ltd.

2023/04/26

Mia