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Variations in incubator temperature and humidity management: a survey of current practice
C Deguines1, P Décima, A Pelletier
1Médecine Néonatale et Réanimation Pédiatrique Polyvalente, CHU Amiens, France.
Aim:
To describe and assess routine procedures and practices for incubator temperature and humidity management in France in 2009.
Methods:
A questionnaire was sent to all the 186 neonatal care units in France.
Results:
The questionnaire return rate was 86%. Seventy-five per cent of the units preferred skin servo-control to air temperature control in routine practice. Air temperature control was mainly used for infants with a gestational age of more than 28 weeks and aged over 7 days of life. In general, thermal management decisions did not depend on the infant's age but were based on a protocol applied specifically by each unit. All units humidified the incubator air, but there was a large difference between the lowest and highest reported humidity values (45% and 100% assumed to be a maximal value, respectively). More than 65% of the units used a fixed humidity value, rather than a variable, protocol-derived value.
Conclusion:
We observed large variations in incubator temperature and humidity management approaches from one neonatal care unit to another. There is a need for more evidence to better inform practice. A task force should be formed to guide clinical practice.
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Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
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Step 4:
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