---
title: Protected Environments: Protecting the Most Vulnerable
description: Protected environments are designed to ensure at-risk patients with diseases such as cancer or HIV are kept safe from airborne pathogens. This requires constant pressure monitoring of the space to ensure positive pressure is maintained, preventing infectious agents from entering the room.
---

[Setra Blog ](https://www.setra.com/blog)

# [Protected Environments: Protecting the Most Vulnerable](https://www.setra.com/blog/protected-environment-protecting-the-most-vulnerable)

 Written by [Adam Wright](https://www.setra.com/blog/author/adam-wright) | June 13, 2023

Protected environments are designed to ensure at-risk patients with diseases such as cancer or HIV are kept safe from airborne pathogens. This requires constant pressure monitoring of the space to ensure positive pressure is maintained, preventing infectious agents from entering the space. Monitoring temperature and relative humidity is critical in minimizing bacterial growth and ensuring patient and staff comfort and safety.

 

| **Variable Monitored** | **Solution** | **Parameters** | **Frequency** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pressurization to Adjacent Space | [Flex](https://www.setra.com/setra-flex?utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Applications&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Link&utm_term=Flex&utm_content=Product%20Link)/[Lite](https://www.setra.com/product/room-pressure-monitors/setra-lite?utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Applications&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Link&utm_term=Lite&utm_content=Product%20Link) | Positive | Continuous – recorded daily |
| Pressure Differential | [Flex](https://www.setra.com/setra-flex?utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Applications&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Link&utm_term=Flex&utm_content=Product%20Link)/[Lite](https://www.setra.com/product/room-pressure-monitors/setra-lite?utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Applications&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Link&utm_term=Lite&utm_content=Product%20Link) | 0.01 (INWC) | Continuous – recorded daily |
| Constant DP Monitoring  | [Flex](https://www.setra.com/setra-flex?utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Applications&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Link&utm_term=Flex&utm_content=Product%20Link)/[Lite](https://www.setra.com/product/room-pressure-monitors/setra-lite?utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Applications&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Link&utm_term=Lite&utm_content=Product%20Link) | Required | Continuous – recorded daily |
| Temperature | [SRH1](https://www.setra.com/product/humidity/model-srh-wall?utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Applications&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Link&utm_term=SRH1&utm_content=Product%20Link) | 70 – 75 (°F) | Continuous – recorded daily |
| Humidity | [SRH1](https://www.setra.com/product/humidity/model-srh-wall?utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Applications&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Link&utm_term=SRH1&utm_content=Product%20Link) | Max 60 (%) | Continuous – recorded daily |

*Based off of [ASHRAE 170 Standards](https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/standards-and-guidelines/standards-addenda/ansi-ashrae-ashe-standard-170-2017-ventilation-of-health-care-facilities)

 

**Setra FLEX - Reliable Room Monitoring of Protective Environment Spaces**

 The FLEX is a valuable tool for ensuring the health and safety of patients and staff in protected environment spaces. It is a reliable and easy-to-use monitor that helps maintain a positive pressure environment, which is essential for preventing the spread of infectious agents. This also allows the FLEX to:

- •    reduce the risk of cross-contamination between patients.
- •    improve the quality of air in the space, which benefits patients with respiratory problems.
- •    help to create a more comfortable environment for patients and staff.

**SRH1 - Monitor Temp and Humidity to Mitigate Bacterial Growth:**

The SRH1 is a reliable temperature/humidity sensor that helps maintain a healthy and comfortable environment. It is important to track relative humidity to prevent the spread of 

- •    Infectious agents
- •    Mold
- •    Irritants
-  

 Improper humidity monitoring can also lead to health problems such as 

- •    Colds
- •    Sinus congestion
- •    Itchy eyes
- •    Dry skin

 

 

Other Spaces Setra Covers:  
[Compounding Pharmacies](https://www.setra.com/blog/compounding-pharmacy-safety-complinace?utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Applications&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Link&utm_term=Compounding%20Pharmacy&utm_content=Blog%20Link)   
[Hospital Operating Space](https://www.setra.com/blog/operating-room-enhancing-sterility?utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Applications&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Link&utm_term=Operating%20Rooms&utm_content=Blog%20Link)  
[Isolation Space](https://www.setra.com/blog/isolation-room-protecting-the-environment-of-care?utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Applications&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Link&utm_term=Isolation%20Rooms&utm_content=Blog%20Link)  
[Non-Critical Spaces](https://hubs.ly/Q01SY2Rm0)

**Product Links:**

[Flex](https://www.setra.com/setra-flex?utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Applications&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Link&utm_term=Flex&utm_content=Product%20Link)  
[SRH1](https://www.setra.com/product/humidity/model-srh-wall?utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Applications&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Link&utm_term=SRH1&utm_content=Product%20Link)  
[Lite](https://www.setra.com/product/room-pressure-monitors/setra-lite?utm_campaign=Healthcare%20Applications&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Link&utm_term=Lite&utm_content=Product%20Link)

[View full post](https://www.setra.com/blog/protected-environment-protecting-the-most-vulnerable)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Adam Wright"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2023-06-13T12:11:28.729Z",
  "datePublished" : "2023-06-13T12:07:43Z",
  "headline" : "Protected Environments: Protecting the Most Vulnerable",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 60,
    "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
    "width" : 60
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.setra.com/blog/protected-environment-protecting-the-most-vulnerable",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60.0,
      "url" : "https://www.setra.com/hubfs/Images%202022/setra-nav-logo-min.png",
      "width" : 101.25
    },
    "name" : "Setra Blog"
  }
}
```