What is the recommended temperature range in the cath lab?

• A. 65-70 F
• B. 75-80 F
• C. 70-75 F
• D. 60-65 F

Answer: (C)

Maintaining the patient’s warmth and comfort during invasive procedures by controlling the cath lab ambient temperature is essential to prevent hypothermia and stabilize the patient throughout the intervention. A temperature around 70–75°F (about 21–24°C) provides a practical balance: it’s cool enough to avoid excessive sweating and condensation on equipment and sterile fields, yet warm enough to minimize heat loss from the patient during a potentially lengthy procedure.

If the room is cooler than this range, the patient is at greater risk for hypothermia, which can lead to shivering, increased oxygen consumption, and potential hemodynamic instability. If the room is warmer, the patient may become uncomfortable, sweat, or experience issues with equipment handling and imaging due to moisture. Overall, 70–75°F is the recommended range to support patient safety, comfort, and smooth procedural workflow.