Aorn Humidity Guidelines Repack -

: While AORN provides the framework, individual hospitals must develop their own multidisciplinary policies involving Facilities Management and Infection Prevention [1].

| Condition | AORN Action | |-----------|--------------| | RH <20% for >15 minutes | Notify biomed / engineering; document; evaluate if surgery should continue (rarely cancels unless static risk present) | | RH >60% for >15 minutes | Investigate cause; reduce humidity; inspect sterile supplies for moisture compromise; replace compromised items | | RH deviates during active surgery | Continue case if clinically necessary; correct ASAP; document deviation |

range, perioperative staff must assess the risk to sterile supplies and follow facility-specific policies for corrective measures [2]. aorn humidity guidelines

Research indicated that bacterial survival is not significantly different between 20% and 30% humidity. Lowering the threshold to 20% prevents facility managers from having to artificially humidify the air, which saves energy and prevents condensation that can lead to mold growth inside walls or HVAC systems.

Many older medical devices were manufactured with a recommended humidity floor of 30%. However, most modern manufacturers have updated their device specifications to tolerate 20% RH. If your facility uses legacy equipment, you must check the manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU); if they require 30%, you must maintain a higher humidity level than the AORN baseline. : While AORN provides the framework, individual hospitals

) can lead to condensation, which promotes the growth of mold and bacteria and may compromise the integrity of sterile packaging [2, 4]. : Low humidity (below

AORN recommends maintaining relative humidity (RH) in the operating room between . Standard Range : The recommended range is Lowering the threshold to 20% prevents facility managers

Deviations below or above the 20% to 60% range alter the safety profile of the perioperative environment. Low Humidity Safeguards (< 20% RH)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) adjusted its criteria. It allowed facilities to adopt the lower 20% limit.

rationale

The sets standard clinical parameters to optimize patient outcomes and maintain environmental safety within surgical spaces. Among these environmental parameters, managing relative humidity (RH) is critical for infection control, equipment functionality, and structural safety.