Longer times in computed tomography for trauma patients result in a decrease in body temperature.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if lower ambient temperatures in computed tomography (CT) rooms contribute to accidental hypothermia (≤35°C) in trauma patients. METHODS: Prospective, observational study of trauma patients undergoing a CT scan at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. RESULTS: Among a cohort of 81 trauma patients, 54 met level 1 call-out criteria. Mean time in CT was 11 min. Longer time spent in CT contributes to greater decrease in body temperature (∆T/t = -0.1483°C/min, P = 0.0026). CONCLUSION: Increasing time spent in CT leads to a decrease in body temperature in trauma patients. Clinicians should actively reduce time spent in the CT room and take active warming measures.