Seasonal mapping of NICU temperature.
OBJECTIVE
To create a thermal map of ambient air, radiant, and evaporative temperatures and humidity throughout the NICU nursery by season across a calendar year.


METHODS
Each cubicle of the 32-bed NICU, distributed across 5 rooms, in a level III nursery was measured.


METHODS
Temperatures were recorded at a consistent time on one day during January, April, July, and October.


METHODS
An electronic monitor (QUESTemp degrees 34; Quest Technologies, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin) was used to measure dry bulb, wet bulb, and globe thermometer temperatures.


RESULTS
Analysis of variance revealed statistically significant (P < .000) differences in season, room, and season by room interaction. Room ambient air temperatures differed by less than 2 degrees F across season. Radiant temperature paralleled air temperature. Humidity, the predominant difference across season, produced evaporative temperatures considerably lower than room air temperature, and the gradient between mean nursery dry bulb temperature and wet bulb temperature was 9.3 degrees F in summer and 16.8 degrees F in winter.


CONCLUSIONS
The thermal map revealed seasonal thermal differences, particularly in humidity level and evaporative temperature. Room temperature alone does not reflect the total thermal environment. Recommendations include periodic assessment of nurseries along with air, evaporative, and radiant temperatures as well as humidity to fully appreciate the impact of the thermal environment on infants.
Thomas
Karen A
KA
University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195,USA. kthomas@u.washington.edu
Magbalot
Almita
A
Shinabarger
Kelley
K
Mokhnach
Larisa
L
Anderson
Marilyn
M
Diercks
Kristi
K
Millar
April
A
Thorngate
Lauren
L
Walker
Wendy
W
Dilback
Nancy
N
Berkan
Maureen
M
D000389:Air Conditioning / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D018481:Convection; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000458:organization & administration; D006361:Heating / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D007186:Incubators, Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D012621:Seasons; D013696:Temperature
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