The Joint Commission issued an explanation of its sterile supply storage area temperature and humidity standard.
Here's what you should know:
1. Large sterile supply storage spaces must have a temperature and humidity program. Levels must be kept in line with the Facilities Guidelines Institute's Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities.
2. Some examples of sterile storage areas include:
- Surgical suites
- C-section suites
- Endoscopy suites
- Cardiac catheterization suites
- Emergency rooms dealing with high-level trauma cases
3. The temperature and humidity can be managed through either an electronic monitoring system installed in the building or through manual measurements with facilities personnel on hand to correct issues.
4. Smaller areas can be managed through staff surveillance. These areas include:
- Labor and delivery locations without C-section procedures
- Imaging areas
- Emergency departments
For all the details on the standard, click here.
More articles on accreditation:
AAAASF leader to know: Tom Terranova
AAAASF leader to know: Carl Herzog
The Joint Commission leader to know: Mark Pelletier