What is clean utility in Intensive Care Unit (ICU)?

Clean Utility in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

The clean utility room in an ICU is a dedicated 15 m² space used for the storage of linen and assembling of sterile material, which is essential for maintaining infection control and patient safety in critical care environments. 1

Purpose and Function

• The clean utility room serves as a controlled environment for storing clean supplies and preparing sterile materials, completely separate from areas where contaminated items are handled 1
• It requires separate access from the dirty utility room to prevent cross-contamination and maintain infection control standards 1
• The room is air-conditioned to maintain appropriate environmental conditions for sterile supplies 1

Key Components and Features

• Storage for clean linen and sterile materials needed for patient care 1
• Space for assembling sterile equipment and supplies before use 1
• Should be easily accessible to nursing and medical staff, ideally located within 30 meters of the patient care area 1
• Must have proper air-conditioning to maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels 1

Relationship to Other ICU Areas

• The clean utility room is completely separate from the dirty utility room (25 m²), which is used for the removal of soiled linen, waste, and dismantling used equipment 1
• This separation is critical for preventing healthcare-associated infections in vulnerable ICU patients 2
• The clean utility room should be positioned with access from both the patient care area and the supply route 1
• It functions as part of the overall ICU design that prioritizes patient safety and infection control 1

Infection Control Considerations

• The separation of clean and dirty utility areas is a fundamental principle in preventing cross-contamination in the ICU 1
• Environmental cleaning and proper maintenance of the clean utility room are essential for reducing hospital-acquired infections 3
• The room design should facilitate proper hand hygiene with appropriate facilities nearby 1
• Proper storage of sterile materials in the clean utility room helps maintain their integrity and prevents contamination 1

Best Practices for Maintaining the Clean Utility Room

• Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces according to hospital infection control protocols 1
• Limiting access to authorized personnel only 2
• Maintaining proper organization of supplies to ensure efficient workflow 1
• Ensuring proper air handling and ventilation to maintain appropriate environmental conditions 4

Importance in ICU Design

• The clean utility room is a mandatory component of ICU design according to international guidelines 1
• Proper design and location of the clean utility room contributes to efficient workflow and reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections 4
• The recommended size of 15 m² is based on guidelines to ensure adequate space for necessary functions 1
• The clean utility room is part of the essential infrastructure that supports safe and effective patient care in the ICU 1