Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
intensive care unit
Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images & Videos
intensive care unit intensive care unit
Learn about the use of modern technology in monitoring infant brain waves for signs of distress
Intensive care unit
Britannica AI Icon
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://www.britannica.com/science/intensive-care-unit
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
intensive care unit
intensive care unit An intensive care unit.

intensive care unit

medicine
Also known as: ICU, critical care unit
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
Last updated
•History
intensive care unit
1 of 2
intensive care unitA monitor showing information about heart function for multiple patients in an intensive care unit.
Learn about the use of modern technology in monitoring infant brain waves for signs of distress
2 of 2
Learn about the use of modern technology in monitoring infant brain waves for signs of distressInfant brain waves being monitored for signs of distress at a neonatal intensive care unit.
See all videos for this article

intensive care unit, hospital facility for care of critically ill patients at a more intensive level than is needed by other patients. Staffed by specialized personnel, the intensive care unit contains a complex assortment of monitors and life-support equipment that can sustain life in once-fatal situations, including adult respiratory distress syndrome, kidney failure, multiple organ failure, and sepsis (see septicemia).

This article was most recently revised and updated by Robert Lewis.