what is an Air Handling Unit ( AHU) in a Modular Operation Theatre (MOT) ?

In a Modular Operation Theatre (MOT), an AHU stands for Air Handling Unit. It is a critical component of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, specifically designed to maintain sterile, temperature-controlled, and contamination-free air in the surgical environment.

An Air Handling Unit (AHU) is a large metal box or unit containing:

• Blower/Fan

• Filters (HEPA filters in MOTs)

• Cooling/Heating coils

• Humidifier/Dehumidifier

• Dampers and ducting
  It takes in outside air, conditions it (filters, cools/heats, humidifies), and then delivers it to the operation theatre through ducts and laminar flow systems.

• Prevents surgical site infections (SSIs)

• Ensures compliance with NABH, NABL, and ASHRAE standards

• Supports cleanroom classification (often Class 100 or ISO Class 5–7)

An AHU in a Modular Operation Theatre is a specialized air handling system that ensures sterile, temperature-controlled, and contaminant-free air via HEPA filtration, laminar airflow, and pressure control, which is essential for safe surgical procedures.