Aorn Humidity Guidelines < PROVEN — 2027 >

Disclaimer: This summary is for informational purposes. Always refer to the official AORN "Guidelines for Perioperative Practice" for the most current, detailed recommendations and consult your facility's engineering and infection control departments.

Under Addendum D to Standard 170-2008, ASHRAE expanded the minimum end of the acceptable environmental RH range from 30% down to 20%. aorn humidity guidelines

: Many sterile items, such as chemical indicators and certain biological monitors, have specific environmental requirements to remain effective [1]. Monitoring and Compliance Disclaimer: This summary is for informational purposes

This is a helpful, actionable guide summarizing the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) guidelines regarding humidity in the operating room. : Many sterile items, such as chemical indicators

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.