Measurements to assess the performance of the ventilating system have been carried out in a series of twenty six operating theatres using nitrous oxide as a gaseous tracer to simulate the movement of airborne bacterial contamination. In order to prevent local clouds of contamination derived from the activities of the operating-team persisting in the neighbourhood of the operating-site it is desirable that there should be appreciable air movement in the centre of the room. Downward displacement, ‘piston type’, ventilation systems may be an exception to this but the indications for their use are not clear. Other points discussed include the necessity for the limitation of the volume of mechanical exhaust if adequate positive pressure is to be maintained in the theatre and the need to control heat dissipation from sterilizers, autoclaves and other sources.