Environment of Care
What are the appropriate temperature settings for blanket warming cabinets?
What are the recommended temperature ranges for an operating room?
What are the recommended humidity ranges for an operating room?
What is the temperature range for solution warming cabinets?
How long can fluids remain in the warmer?
Should the OR windows be covered when using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser?
What are the appropriate temperature settings for blanket warming cabinets?
Answer:
The temperature range of blanket or linen warming cabinets should not exceed 130°F (54.4°C). Post the temperature parameters on the cabinet for ready reference. The temperature of the warming cabinet should be checked on regular intervals and documented on a log or electronically.
Resources
Recommended practices for a safe environment of care. In: Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices. Denver, CO: AORN, Inc;2012;e37-e61.
Hazard report: ECRI Institute revises its recommendation for temperature limits on blanket warmers. Health devices. 2009;38(7):230-231.
Updated November 30, 2012
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What are the recommended temperature ranges for an operating room?
Answer:
The recommended temperature range in an operating room is between 68° F and 73° F (20° C to 23° C). Collaborate with infection prevention, and facility engineers when determining temperature ranges. Each facility should determine acceptable ranges for temperature in accordance with regulatory and accrediting agencies. The temperature should be monitored and recorded daily using a log or electronic documentation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Resources
Recommended practices for sterilization. In: Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices. Denver, CO: AORN, Inc; 2012:e1-e36.
Updated November 30, 2012
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What are the recommended humidity ranges for an operating room?
Answer:
The recommended humidity range in an operating room is between 20% to 60%. Per addendum d to ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170-2008, an acceptable range for humidity in an operating room is between 20% to 60%. Each facility should determine acceptable ranges for humidity in accordance with regulatory and accrediting agencies. The humidity should be monitored and recorded daily using a log or electronic documentation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Resources
Recommended practices for sterilization. In: Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices. Denver, CO: AORN, Inc; 2012:e1-e36.
ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Addendum d to Standard 170-2008: Ventilation of Health Care Facilities. 2010. www.ashrae.org/File%0Library/docLib/Public/20100714_ad170_2008_d.pdf. Accessed November 30, 2012.
Updated November 30, 2012
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What is the temperature range for solution warming cabinets?
Answer:
The temperature range of solution warming cabinets should be in accordance with the solution manufacturer's specifications. Post the temperature parameters on the cabinet for ready reference. Be consistent within your facility. The temperature of the warming cabinet should be checked on regular intervals and documented on a log or electronically.
Resources
Recommended practices for a safe environment of care. In: Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices. Denver, CO: AORN, Inc; 2012;e37-e61.
Updated November 30, 2012
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How long can fluids remain in the warmer?
Answer:
Contact the solution manufacturer for maximum temperature and length of time that the fluids may remain in the warming cabinet. The stability of the fluids will vary by the type of solution and the storage container. Post the temperature and length parameters on the cabinet for ready reference. Label and date the fluids with either the date into the warmer or the date the fluids should be removed, according to your institution policy.
Resources
Recommended practices for a safe environment of care. In: Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices. Denver, CO: AORN, Inc; 2012;e37-e61.
Updated November 30, 2012
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Should the OR windows be covered when using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser?
Answer:
The OR windows do not need to be covered when using the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser because the CO2 laser is the only laser that does not pass through windows. Doors should remain closed when the laser is in use, including the CO2 laser, to stop the transmission of the laser beam.
Resources
Ogg, MJ. Safe use of cardon dioxide lasers. [Clinical Issues]. AORN Journal. 2011;94(4):411-412.
Updated November 30, 2012
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