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The distribution of air flowing above a simulated patient in a model operating room (OR) was studied by experimental particle image velocimetry (PIV) and numerical computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. The low speeds and subtle buoyancy effects encountered in the OR require special care and warrant experimental confirmation and comparison. This is a challenging case for experiment and simulation because buoyancy is incipient and subtle effects can influence the low-speed flows. Nevertheless, as shown below, reasonable experimental results, CFD results, and good agreement between the methods were achieved. Of interest in HVAC design of health care facilities, little or no effect of buoyancy and no protective thermal plume or bubble near the simulated surgical site were seen in the flows for representative supply airflow rates and realistic surgical wound temperatures.