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CDC Locations and Descriptions

CDC Location Label

Location Description
LOCATIONS

Adult Critical Care Units
Burn Critical Care

Critical care area specializing in the care of patients with
significant/major burns.

Medical Cardiac Critical Care

Critical care area specializing in the care of patients with
serious heart problems that do not require heart surgery.

Medical Critical Care

Critical care area for patients who are being treated for
nonsurgical conditions.

Medical/Surgical Critical Care

An area where critically ill patients with medical and/or
surgical conditions are managed.

Neurologic Critical Care

Critical care area specializing in treating life-threatening
neurological diseases.

Neurosurgical Critical Care

Critical care area specializing in the surgical management of
patients with severe neurological diseases or those at risk for
neurological injury as a result of surgery.

Prenatal Critical Care

Critical care area specializing in the management of the
pregnant patient with complex medical or obstetric problems
requiring a high level of care to prevent the loss of the fetus and
to protect the life of the mother.

Respiratory Critical Care

Critical care area for the evaluation and treatment of the patient
with severe respiratory conditions.

Surgical Cardiothoracic Critical
Care

Critical care area specializing in the care of patients following
cardiac and thoracic surgery.

Surgical Critical Care

Critical care area for the evaluation and management of patients
with serious illness before and/or after surgery.

Trauma Critical Care

Critical care area specializing in the care of patients who
require a high level of monitoring and/or intervention following
trauma or during critical illness related to trauma.

Pediatric Critical Care Units
Pediatric Burn Critical Care
Pediatric Cardiothoracic Critical
Care

June, 2011

Critical care area specializing in the care of patients ≤ 18 years
old with significant/major burns
Critical care area specializing in the care of patients ≤ 18 years
old following cardiac and thoracic surgery.

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Pediatric Medical Critical Care

Critical care area for patients ≤ 18 years old who are being
treated for nonsurgical conditions. In the NNIS system, this
was called Pediatric ICU (PICU).

Pediatric Medical/Surgical Critical
Care

An area where critically ill patients ≤ 18 years old with medical
and/or surgical conditions are managed.

Pediatric Neurosurgical Critical
Care

Critical care area specializing in the surgical management of
patients ≤ 18 years old with severe neurological diseases or
those at risk for neurological injury as a result of surgery.

Pediatric Respiratory Critical Care

Critical care area for the evaluation and treatment of the
patients ≤ 18 years old with severe respiratory conditions.

Pediatric Surgical Critical Care

Critical care area for the evaluation and management of patients
≤ 18 years old with serious illness before and/or after surgery.

Pediatric Trauma Critical Care

Critical care area specializing in the care of patients ≤ 18 years
old who require a high level of monitoring and/or intervention
following trauma or during critical illness related to trauma.

Neonatal Units1
Well Baby Nursery (Level I)

Step down Neonatal Nursery
(Level II)

Neonatal Critical Care (Level II/III)
Neonatal Critical Care (Level III)

June, 2011

Hospital area for evaluation and postnatal care of healthy
newborns. May include neonatal resuscitation and stabilization
of ill newborns until transfer to a facility at which specialty
neonatal care is provided.
Special care nursery for care of preterm infants with birth
weight >1500g. Includes resuscitation and stabilization of
preterm and/or ill infants before transfer to a facility at which
newborn intensive care is provided.
Combined nursery housing both Level II and III newborns and
infants.
A hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) organized with
personnel and equipment to provide continuous life support and
comprehensive care for extremely high-risk newborn infants
and those with complex and critical illness. Level III is
subdivided into 4 levels differentiated by the capability to
provide advanced medical and surgical care.
NOTE: The categories of Level III below are classifications
from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Definitions of
hospital-based newborn services.1 These classifications are all
considered Level III nurseries in NHSN.
Level IIIA - Hospital or state-mandated restriction on type
and/or duration of mechanical ventilation.
Level IIIB - No restrictions on type or duration of mechanical

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ventilation. No major surgery.
Level IIIC - Major surgery performed on site (eg, omphalocele
repair, tracheoesophageal fistula or esophageal atresia repair,
bowel resection, myelomeningocele repair, ventriculoperitoneal
shunt). No surgical repair of serious congenital heart anomalies
that require cardiopulmonary bypass and /or ECMO for medical
conditions.
Level IIID - Major surgery, surgical repair of serious congenital
heart anomalies that require cardiopulmonary bypass, and/or
ECMO for medical conditions.
Inpatient Specialty Care Areas
Long Term Acute Care (LTAC)

Area that provides acute care services to patients suffering
medically complex conditions, or patients who have suffered
recent catastrophic illness or injury and require an extended
stay in an acute care environment.

Bone Marrow Transplant Specialty
Care Area

Hospital specialty care area for the treatment of patients who
undergo bone marrow (stem cell) transplant for the treatment of
various disorders.

Acute Dialysis Unit

Hospital specialty care area for patients who require acute
dialysis as a temporary measure.

Hematology/Oncology SCA

Hospital specialty care area for the management and treatment
of patients with cancer and/or blood disorders.

Solid Organ Transplant SCA

Hospital specialty area for the postoperative care of patients
who have had a solid organ transplant (e.g., heart/lung, kidney,
liver, pancreas)

Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant
SCA

Hospital specialty care area for the treatment of patients ≤ 18
years old who undergo bone marrow (stem cell) transplant for
the treatment of various disorders.

Pediatric Dialysis SCA

Hospital specialty care area for patients ≤18 years old who
require acute dialysis as a temporary measure.

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
SCA

Hospital specialty care area for the management and treatment
of patients ≤ 18 years old with cancer and/or blood disorders.

Pediatric Long-Term Acute Care

Area that provides acute care services to patients ≤18 years old
suffering medically complex conditions, or who suffered recent
catastrophic illness or injury and require an extended stay in an
acute care environment.

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CDC Locations and Descriptions

Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant
SCA
Inpatient Adult Wards
Antenatal Care Ward

Hospital specialty area for the postoperative care of patients ≤
18 years old who have had a solid organ transplant (e.g.,
heart/lung, kidney, liver, pancreas).
Hospital area for observation, evaluation, treatment or surgery
of high risk pregnancy patients.

Burn Ward

Hospital area for evaluation and treatment of patients who have
burns.

Behavioral Health/Psych Ward

Hospital area for evaluation and treatment of patients with
acute psychiatric or behavioral disorders.

Ear/Nose/Throat Ward

Hospital area for the evaluation, treatment, or surgery of
patients with ear, nose, or throat disorders

Gastrointestinal Ward

Hospital area for evaluation, treatment or surgery of patients
with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Gerontology Ward

Hospital area for the evaluation, treatment or surgery of patients
with age-related diseases.

Genitourinary Ward

Hospital area for the evaluation, treatment or surgery of patients
with disorders of the genitourinary system.

Gynecology Ward

Hospital area for the evaluation, treatment, or surgery of female
patients with reproductive tract disorders.

Jail Unit

Overnight stay patient care area of a hospital or correctional
facility used only for those who are in custody of law
enforcement during their treatment.

Labor and Delivery Ward

Hospital area where women labor and give birth.

Labor, Delivery, Recovery,
Postpartum Room (LDRP)

Hospital suite used for labor, delivery, recovery and post
partum (LDRP) -- all within the same suite.

Medical Ward

Hospital area for the evaluation and treatment of patients with
medical conditions or disorders.

Medical/Surgical Ward

Hospital area for the evaluation of patients with medical and/or
surgical conditions.

Mixed Acuity Ward

Hospital area for the evaluation and treatment of adult patients
whose conditions are of varying levels of acuity (e.g., critical
care, ward-level care, step-down type care, etc.). Such a care
area may be comprised of patients followed by different

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CDC Locations and Descriptions

hospital services (e.g., coronary, medical, surgical, etc.). This
care area may or may not include ''acuity adaptable'' or
''universal'' beds (i.e., this model of patient care allows a patient
to stay in same bed during all phases of his care, from critical
care through lower levels of care).
Mixed Age, Mixed Acuity Ward

Hospital area for the evaluation and treatment of a mixture of
adult and pediatric patients whose conditions are of varying
levels of acuity (e.g., critical care, ward-level care, step-down
type care, etc.). Such a care area may be comprised of patients
followed by different hospital services (e.g., coronary, medical,
surgical, etc.). This care area may or may not include ''acuity
adaptable'' or ''universal'' beds (i.e., this model of patient care
allows a patient to stay in same bed during all phases of his
care, from critical care through lower levels of care).

Neurology Ward

Hospital area where patients with neurological disorders are
evaluated and treated.

Neurosurgical Ward

Hospital area for care of patients whose primary reason for
admission is to have neurosurgery or to be cared for by a
neurosurgeon after head or spinal trauma.

Ophthalmology Ward

Hospital area for care of patients whose primary reason for
admission is to have eye surgery or to be cared for by an
ophthalmologist after eye trauma.

Orthopedic Trauma Ward

Hospital area where patients with orthopedic injuries or
disorders are evaluated and treated.

Orthopedic Ward

Hospital area for evaluation, treatment or surgery on bones,
joints, and associated structures by an orthopedist.

Plastic Surgery Ward

Hospital area for the care of patients who have reconstructive
surgery performed by a plastic surgeon.

Postpartum Ward

Hospital area for the patient who is recovering from childbirth.

Pulmonary Ward

Hospital area where patients with respiratory system conditions
or disorders are evaluated and treated.

Rehabilitation Ward

Hospital area for evaluation and restoration of function to
patients who have lost function due to acute or chronic pain,
musculoskeletal problems, stroke, or catastrophic events
resulting in complete or partial paralysis.

School Infirmary

Overnight stay patient care area of a school infirmary or health
center (e.g., private residential school or college campus).

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CDC Locations and Descriptions

Surgical Ward

Hospital area for evaluation and treatment of patients who have
undergone a surgical procedure.

Stroke (Acute) Unit

Hospital area for evaluation, stabilization and treatment of
patients who have experienced an acute stroke.

Telemetry Unit

Hospital area dedicated to providing evaluation and treatment
of patients requiring continuous cardiac monitoring.

Vascular Surgery Ward

Hospital area for evaluation and treatment of patients who have
undergone vascular surgery.

Inpatient Pediatric Wards
Adolescent Behavioral Health

Hospital area for evaluation and treatment of patients between
the ages of 13 and 18 with acute psychiatric or behavioral
disorders.

Pediatric Burn Ward

Hospital area specializing in the evaluation and treatment of
patients ≤18 years old who have tissue injury caused by burns.

Pediatric Behavioral Health

Hospital area for evaluation and management of patients ≤18
years old with acute psychiatric or behavioral disorders.

Pediatric Ear, Nose, Throat

Hospital area for evaluation and management of patients ≤18
years old with disorders of the ear, nose and/or throat.

Pediatric Genitourinary

Hospital area where patients ≤ 18 years old with disorders of
the genitourinary system are evaluated and treated.

Medical Pediatric Ward

Hospital area where patients ≤ 18 years old with medical
conditions or disorders are evaluated and treated.

Pediatric Med/Surg Ward

Hospital area where patients ≤ 18 years old with medical and/or
surgical conditions are managed.

Pediatric Mixed Acuity Ward (if
patients are of mixed age, use
Mixed Age, Mixed Acuity Ward
designation found in Inpatient Adult
Ward section)

Hospital area for the evaluation and treatment of patients ≤ 18
years old whose conditions are of varying levels of acuity (e.g.,
critical care, ward-level care, step-down type care, etc.). Such a
care area may be comprised of patients followed by different
hospital services (e.g., coronary, medical, surgical, etc.). This
care area may or may not include ''acuity adaptable'' or
''universal'' beds (i.e., this model of patient care allows a patient
to stay in same bed during all phases of his care, from critical
care through lower levels of care).

Pediatric Neurosurgical Ward

Hospital area for care of patients ≤ 18 years old whose primary
reason for admission is to have neurosurgery or to be cared for
by a neurosurgeon after head or spinal trauma.

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CDC Locations and Descriptions

Pediatric Rehabilitation Ward

Hospital area where patients ≤ 18 years old with orthopedic
injuries or disorders are evaluated and treated.
Hospital area for evaluation and restoration of function to
patients ≤ 18 years old who have lost function due to acute or
chronic pain, musculoskeletal problems, stroke, or catastrophic
events resulting in complete or partial paralysis.

Pediatric Surgical Ward

Hospital area for evaluation and treatment of patients ≤ 18
years old who have undergone a surgical procedure.

Pediatric Orthopedic Ward

Step Down Units
Step Down Unit

Pediatric Step Down Unit

Operating Rooms
Cardiac Catheterization Room/Suite

Hospital area for adult patients that are hemodynamically stable
who can benefit from close supervision and monitoring, such as
frequent pulmonary toilet, vital signs, and/or neurological and
neurovascular checks.
Patients ≤ 18 years old that are hemodynamically stable who
can benefit from close supervision and monitoring, such as
frequent pulmonary toilet, vital signs, and/or neurological and
neurovascular checks.

A room or rooms in a hospital equipped for the performance of
heart catheterizations for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Operating Room requirements for air changes, temperature,
humidity and surfaces must be met.

Cesarean Section Room/Suite

A room or suite in a hospital equipped for the performance of
obstetric and gynecologic surgeries and for the care of the
neonate immediately after birth. Operating Room requirements
for air changes, temperature, humidity and surfaces must be
met.

Interventional Radiology

A room or suite in a hospital where diagnostic or therapeutic
radiologic procedures on outpatients and/or inpatients occurs.
Operating Room requirements for air changes, temperature,
humidity and surfaces must be met.

Operating Room/Suite

A room or suite in a hospital equipped for the performance of
surgical operations. Requirements for air changes, temperature,
humidity and surfaces must be met. (For outpatient operating
room, use Ambulatory Surgery Center designation or other
specialty OR shown in Outpatient Locations section of this
chapter).
Hospital area designated for monitoring patients for immediate
effects of anesthesia before either going home or on to an inpatient care area.

Post Anesthesia Care Unit/Recovery
Room

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CDC Locations and Descriptions

Long Term Care
Inpatient Hospice

Area where palliative care is provided to the dying patient.

Long Term Care Unit

Area where care provided for persons with chronic disease or
disabilities for extended periods of time.

Long Term Care Alzheimer's Unit

Area where care is provided to persons diagnosed with
Alzheimer's syndrome for extended periods of time.

Long Term Care Behavioral
Health/Psych Unit

Area where care is provided to individuals with psychiatric or
behavioral-disorder diagnoses for extended periods of time.

Ventilator Dependent Unit

Area where care is provided to patients whose respirations
depend on the use of a ventilator for extended periods of time.

Long Term Care Rehabilitation Unit

Area where evaluation and restoration of function is provided
to patients who have lost function due to acute or chronic pain,
musculoskeletal problems, stroke, or catastrophic events
resulting in complete or partial paralysis.

Laboratory Identified Event
(LabID) Only
Facility-wide Inpatient

Facility-wide Outpatient

June, 2011

This location represents all inpatient locations for the facility,
where appropriate numerator and accurate denominator counts
can be collected. All of the facility’s inpatient locations with an
overnight stay must be represented for full inpatient facility
coverage, meaning that appropriate monitoring is being
conducted for potential inclusion in the numerator and accurate
denominator counts contribute towards the total reported.
Currently it is available for use in the MDRO/CDI Module for
LabID Event reporting and will be available for use in the AUR
Module.
This location represents all outpatient locations for the facility,
where appropriate numerator and accurate denominator counts
can be collected. All of the facility’s inpatient locations with an
overnight stay must be represented for full outpatient facility
coverage, meaning that appropriate monitoring is being
conducted for potential inclusion in the numerator and accurate
denominator counts contribute towards the total reported.
Currently it is available for use in the MDRO/CDI Module for
LabID Event reporting and will be available for use in the AUR
Module.

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CDC Locations and Descriptions

Miscellaneous Areas
All Inpatient Beds Combined

This location represents all beds. It is used for reporting
optional facility-wide summary data (e.g., CLABSI rate for
facility).

Float

For HCWs who do not work at least 75% of the time at a single
location, “Float” should be entered for work location. (Ex. A
radiology technician who performs portable x-rays throughout
multiple patient areas).

Sleep Studies (for in and out
patients)

Area where patients stay overnight and are evaluated for sleep
disorders.

Pulmonary Function Testing

Area where the evaluation of a patient's respiratory status takes
place.

Transport Service

Mobile unit used to transport patients to their home or from one
healthcare setting to another non-emergently.

Treatment Room

A room in a patient care unit in which various treatments or
procedures requiring special equipment are performed, such as
removing sutures, draining a hematoma, packing a wound, or
performing an examination.

OUTPATIENT LOCATIONS
Acute Care Settings
24-Hour Observation Area

Area where patients are monitored for suspected or non-life
threatening conditions for 24 hours or less.

Ambulatory Surgery Center

Area that is equipped for the performance of surgical
operations; may be free-standing or part of a hospital.
Operating Room requirements for air changes, temperature,
humidity and surfaces must be met. Patients do not stay
overnight.

Facility-wide Outpatient

See Laboratory Identified Event Locations above.

Mobile Emergency Services/EMS

Mobile unit that provides clinical and emergency medical
services to individuals who require them in the pre-hospital
setting.

Outpatient Emergency Department

Area that provides emergency medical services; top priority is
given to those with life-threatening illness or injury.

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CDC Locations and Descriptions

Outpatient Pediatric Surgery Center

Area that is equipped for the performance of surgical operations
for patients ≤ 18 years old, may be free-standing or part of a
hospital. Operating Room requirements for air changes,
temperature, humidity and surfaces must be met. Patients do
not stay overnight.

Outpatient Plastic Surgery Center

Area that is equipped for the performance of plastic surgery
operations may be free-standing or part of a hospital.
Operating Room requirements for air changes, temperature,
humidity and surfaces must be met. Patients do not stay
overnight.

Outpatient Surgery Recovery
Room/Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Area designated for monitoring patients for the immediate
effects of anesthesia before being sent home.

Pediatric Emergency Department

Area that provides emergency medical services to patients ≤ 18
years old; top priority is given to those with life-threatening
illness or injury.

Therapeutic Apheresis Unit

Outpatient setting where blood is collected from patients and
therapeutic apheresis procedures are performed.

Urgent Care Center

Area that provides medical care services for illnesses and
injuries that are not life-threatening.

Clinic (Nonacute) Settings
Allergy Clinic

An outpatient setting for the purpose of providing services to
individuals with allergies.

Behavioral Health Clinic

An outpatient setting for the purpose of providing services to
individuals with psychiatric or behavior-disorders.

Blood Collection Center

An outpatient setting where blood is collected from donors.
This does not include donation centers that are temporarily set
up in non-clinical settings (e.g., schools, churches) or mobile
blood collection centers.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Center

An outpatient setting where patients with cardiac disease, in
partnership with a multidisciplinary team of health
professionals, are encouraged and supported to achieve and
maintain optimal physical health through exercise, nutritional
and psychological counseling.

Cardiology Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and management of
individuals with cardiac problems.

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CDC Locations and Descriptions

Continence Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and management of
individuals with incontinence problems.

Dermatology Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and management of
dermatologic conditions by a dermatologist.

Diabetes/Endocrinology Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation, education and
management of persons with diabetes.

Ear, Nose, Throat Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and management of
conditions related to the ear, nose and/or throat.

Family Medicine Clinic

An outpatient setting for patients who are managed by a family
practice physician or group of physicians. Does not include
private physician practice.

Genetics Clinic

An outpatient setting for testing and counseling of individuals
may have genetic or hereditary disorders.

Gynecology Clinic

An outpatient setting for women for the evaluation and
management of female reproductive tract conditions.

Holistic Medicine Center

An outpatient setting where alternative healthcare practices are
used, focusing on the physical, mental, emotional, social and
spiritual aspects of health.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Center

An outpatient setting where therapeutic hyperbaric oxygen is
administered.

Infusion Center

An outpatient setting for the administration of fluids, blood
products and medications.

Neurology Clinic

An outpatient setting for the diagnosis, evaluation, and
treatment of persons with neurologic disorders.

Occupational Health Clinic

An outpatient setting where workplace physicals, workplace
injury management and immunological evaluations take place.

Occupational Therapy Clinic

An outpatient setting where persons with injury or disability are
helped to resume activities of daily living with exercise,
massage and other therapies.

Ophthalmology Clinic

An outpatient setting for the diagnosis, evaluation and
treatment of ophthalmologic disorders.

Orthopedic Clinic

An outpatient setting for the diagnosis, evaluation and
treatment of orthopedic disorders.

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CDC Locations and Descriptions

Ostomy Clinic

An outpatient setting for the management of persons who have
had surgical procedure for removing normal bodily wastes
through a surgical opening (stoma) on the abdominal wall.

Outpatient Dental Clinic

An outpatient setting that provides dental services, including
preventive teeth cleaning, emergency treatment, and
comprehensive oral care. This may be a private or group
practice or a teaching facility for dentists and/or dental
hygienists.

Outpatient GI Clinic

An outpatient setting for the diagnosis, evaluation and
management of conditions related to the gastrointestinal tract.
Usually includes an endoscopy suite.

Outpatient Hematology/Oncology
Clinic

An outpatient setting for the diagnosis, evaluation and
treatment of persons with hematologic and/or oncologic
disorders. This may include chemotherapy or blood/blood
products infusion services.

Outpatient Hemodialysis Clinic

An outpatient setting for chronic hemodialysis patients where
they are evaluated and dialyzed several times weekly.

Outpatient HIV Clinic

An outpatient setting for the diagnosis, evaluation and
treatment of patients who are HIV positive or who have AIDS.

Outpatient Medical Clinic

An outpatient setting for the diagnosis, evaluation and
treatment of medical disorders.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic

An outpatient setting where patients with injury or disability are
evaluated and treated to resume activities of daily living, speech
and language skills and maximum physical function. This may
include social and psychological evaluation and treatment.

Pain Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and treatment of
persons with chronic or intractable pain.

Pediatric Behavioral Health Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and management of
patients ≤ 18 years old with psychiatric or behavior disorders.

Pediatric Cardiology Center

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and management of
patients ≤ 18 years old with cardiac disorders.

Pediatric Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and treatment of
patients ≤ 18 years old.

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CDC Locations and Descriptions

Pediatric Dental Clinic

An outpatient setting that provides dental services, including
preventive teeth cleaning, emergency treatment, and
comprehensive oral care to patients ≤ 18 years old. This may be
a private or group practice or a teaching facility for dentists
and/or dental hygienists.

Pediatric Dermatology Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and management of
patients ≤ 18 years old with dermatologic disorders.

Pediatric Diabetes/Endocrinology
Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and management of
patients ≤ 18 years old with diabetes or other endocrine
disorders.

Pediatric Gastrointestinal Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and treatment of
patients ≤ 18 years old with gastrointestinal disorders.

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and treatment of
patients ≤ 18 years old with cancer and/or blood disorders.

Pediatric Nephrology Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and treatment of
patients ≤ 18 years old with disorders of the genitourinary tract.

Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and treatment of
patients ≤ 18 years old with fractures or other orthopedic
disorders.

Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and treatment of
patients ≤ 18 years old with rheumatology disorders.

Pediatric Scoliosis Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and treatment of
patients ≤ 18 years old with scoliosis or other growth disorders
of the spine.

Physical Therapy Clinic

An outpatient setting where persons with injury or disability are
helped to obtain maximum physical function.

Physician's Office

A physician's office practice.

Podiatry Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and treatment of
individuals with conditions or disorders of the feet.

Prenatal Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and treatment of
pregnant women.

Pulmonary Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and treatment of
patients with disorders of the respiratory tract.

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CDC Locations and Descriptions

Rheumatology Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and treatment of
persons with autoimmune disorders, primarily rheumatoid
arthritis.

School or Prison Infirmary

Area in a school or correctional facility that provides medical
care to students/inmates. This area is not staffed or equipped
for overnight stay patients.

Specimen Collection Area
(Healthcare)

An area in within a healthcare facility where procedures are
performed to collect blood, tissue and other specimens for
diagnostic purposes.

Speech Therapy Clinic

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and treatment of
persons with brain injury to maximize their speech, swallow
and language functions.

Surgical Services Clinic

An outpatient setting for the pre-operative evaluation and the
postoperative management of individuals undergoing a surgical
procedure.

Well Baby Clinic

An outpatient setting for the examination and treatment of
normal newborns.

Wound Center

An outpatient setting for the evaluation and treatment of
persons with acute or chronic wounds.

Wound Ostomy Continence Clinic

An outpatient area which provides acute and rehabilitative care
for people with selective disorders of the gastrointestinal,
genitourinary and integumentary (skin) systems.

Endoscopy Suite

An area where endoscopic procedures (e.g., upper
gastrointestinal, lower gastrointestinal endoscopies,
bronchoscopy) are performed on outpatients and/or inpatients.
Patient care and processing of equipment may take place in this
location.

Radiology, includes Nuclear
Medicine

An area where diagnostic or therapeutic radiologic procedures
are done on outpatients and/or inpatients. This location does
not meet Operating Room requirements for air changes,
temperature, humidity or surfaces.

Mobile Blood Collection center

A self-contained mobile unit such as a bus or trailer that is
specifically designed and equipped for the collection of blood
and blood products from public donors. This unit typically
moves from location to location.

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CDC Locations and Descriptions

Mobile MRI/CT

Blood Collection (Blood Drive
Campaign)

A self-contained mobile unit such as a bus or trailer that is
equipped with MRI or CT radiologic equipment and that may
be moved between health care locations (e.g., hospitals,
clinics).

COMMUNITY LOCATIONS
A location that was not designed for nor equipped to perform
healthcare functions (e.g., school gym or shopping mall) that
has been set up specifically to collect donations of blood and
blood products from the public.

Home Care

A patient's home location where medical services including
routine non-invasive and other invasive procedures (e.g.,
insertion of indwelling urinary catheter, insertion of IV line,
etc.) are performed by health care workers and family members
under the supervision of a licensed independent practitioner
(e.g., MD, CNP,PA).

Home-based Hospice

A patient's home location where end-of-life services are
performed by health care workers, family members and
volunteers.

Location Outside Facility

A location outside this facility, including unknown outside
location. Used only in “Location of Device Insertion” drop
down list of locations.

Specimen Collection Area
(Community)

A location that was not designed for nor equipped to perform
healthcare functions (e.g., school gym or shopping mall) that
has been set up specifically to collect body fluids for health
care testing. Examples would be blood sugar or cholesterol
screening clinics.

Administrative Areas

NON-PATIENT CARE LOCATIONS
Areas within a healthcare facility where administrative
functions take place. No patient care takes place in these areas.

Assisted Living Area

A location where persons live and have available to them
housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation and other nonmedical services. Patient care is not done in this area.

Blood Bank

An area within a health care facility that may collect, store and
distribute blood and blood products. Also perform diagnostic
tests on blood/components to determine compatibilities.

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Central Sterile Supply

An area within a healthcare facility where durable medical
equipment is cleaned/decontaminated, wrapped, sterilized and
stored in preparation for patient use.

Central Trash Area

An area adjacent to a healthcare facility where biohazardous
and non-biohazardous wastes are collected in preparation for
transport to a landfill or incineration.

Clinical Chemistry Laboratory

An area within a diagnostic laboratory that does general clinical
chemistry (clinical biochemistry), endocrinology, therapeutic
substance monitoring, toxicology, blood pH and gases,
urinalysis, and urine pregnancy testing.

Facility Grounds

Any outdoor area adjacent to a healthcare facility that belongs
to the facility (e.g. sidewalks, parking ramps, lawns, etc.).

General Laboratory

An area which encompasses all clinical divisions within a
diagnostic laboratory.

Hematology Laboratory

An area within a diagnostic laboratory that determines the
specific properties of blood (e.g., CBC, white blood count).

Histology/Surgical Pathology
Laboratory

An area within a diagnostic laboratory that uses high-power
microscopy to evaluate cells and tissues for the presence or
absence of disease.

Housekeeping/Environmental
Services

An area within a healthcare facility where
housekeeping/environmental services staff activities are
coordinated and supplies are stored.

Laundry Room

An area within a healthcare facility where laundry is sorted,
washed, dried and prepared for transport and use.

Microbiology Laboratory

An area within a laboratory that performs diagnostic tests to
determine the presence or absence of bacteria and its related
properties.

Morgue/Autopsy Room

An area within a facility that is used for the storage and/or
postmortem examination of deceased persons.

Pharmacy

An area within a healthcare facility where medications are
prepared and labeled for patient use.

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CDC Locations and Descriptions

Physical Plant Operations Center

An area within a healthcare facility where construction,
renovation, and maintenance staff activities and supplies are
coordinated. This may also include areas of machinery and
equipment.

Public Area in Facility

Any indoor area within a healthcare facility that is not used for
patient care and that is available to the public (e.g., waiting
rooms, cafeterias, and hallways).

Serology Laboratory

An area within a diagnostic laboratory that performs blood tests
to determine the presence or absence of certain diseases or the
levels of immunity.

Soiled Utility Area

An area within a healthcare facility where used and/or soiled
disposable or durable medical equipment is stored and/or
cleaned in preparation for disposal or reprocessing/reuse.

Virology Laboratory

An area within a diagnostic laboratory that performs tests
and/or culturing to determine the presence or absence of
specific viruses.

1

Definitions of Hospital-Based Newborn Services Used for Survey Performed by Section on Perinatal
Pediatrics American Academy of Pediatrics website:
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;114/5/1341/T1 , accessed, July 8, 2008.

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