ICU Ambient Temperature Range
Ambient temperature in most health-care patient-care zones is recommended at 70°F–75°F (21°C–24°C). [1]
Temperature Range Used for Patient-Care Areas
The CDC infection-control guidance for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in health-care facilities specifies that most other zones use a temperature range of 70°F–75°F (21°C–24°C). [1]
Relationship to Operating Rooms
Cool temperature standards (68°F–73°F [20°C–23°C]) are described as being associated with operating rooms and certain clean work areas, while a warmer setpoint (75°F [24°C]) is described for areas requiring greater patient comfort. [1]
Practical ICU Design Implication
ICUs fall under patient-care zones addressed by the CDC statement that most non–operating-room zones use 70°F–75°F (21°C–24°C) for temperature standards. [1]