Operating Room Temperature

Do i need to close the or if the temperature or humidity are out of range.

Operating room temperature.

The temperature in the operating room by aorn standards the operating room temperature is normally kept between 68 0 and 75 0. The design requirements for these parameters in healhtcare settings are defined by ashrae standard 170 and are generally straightforward however or operating room users often try to operate or hvac heating ventilating and air conditioning systems at temperatures and humidity levels. For established temperature range in operating rooms nfpa 99 2012 requires ashrae 170 2008 ventilation table 7 1 to be used. Because both too hot and too cold is dangerous the cdc adopts the american institute of architects parameters for operating room ventilation.

If the temperature is set below the established range then there needs to be an assessment that patient care will not be compromised by the lower temperature level. Temperature and surgical site infections ssi. Currently ashrae ashe standard 170 2017 ventilation of health care facilities defines the minimum relative humidity rh level for an operating room as 20 and the maximum level as 60. For example during an open heart procedure the surgeon can request to have the temperature dropped down to 63 0.

Many people including some operating room personnel are surprised to learn these facts as it has been thought by many people that cold rooms prevent infection. For operating rooms in classes b and c the established range for temperatures is 68 to 75 degrees fahrenheit. 15 total air changes per hour and minimum 3 air changes of outdoor air per hour. While published guidelines are applicable to all.

Class a operating procedure rooms should have a range of 70 to 75 degrees fahrenheit. However as it is becoming better understood that temperature is an important factor used to prevent infection this is being addressed. The current operating room design temperature is between 65 and 75. Proper ventilation airflow temperature and humidity are needed for successful surgical operations.

What are the recommended temperature ranges for an operating room. What are the recommended humidity ranges for an operating room. Operating rooms are typically kept below 23 c 73 4 f room temperature is the most critical factor in influencing heat loss. 2 this can vary depending on the type of surgery being performed.