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Important Information Concerning Reusable Blood Warmer

By Margaret Snyder


It is obvious for donated blood to be refrigerated if it is not transfused to a patient after it has been donated. This is because if it is not done so, there is a high risk of it getting spoilt or dead. Therefore, this means the temperature has to lower down in a range that can be harmful to the body. In fact, when a patient is infused with this fluid when it is very cold he or she can get conditions like arrhythmias, shock or hypothermia. Therefore, as a way of reducing and eliminating these risks, reusable blood warmer provide the required and acceptable temperatures on the fluid prior to or during transfusion process.

These devices come in three different types in regard to the warming technique and technology used. The first type is the one that uses dry heat method. The other types include using a water bath and the other countercurrent. This can be done before transfusion or during the process which is referred to as in-line warming. The device, however, is made with a technology that prevents any loss of heat but it does not provide heat retaining methods.

However, they are made without the ability to maintain or retain temperature. Once they make the fluid reach the set temperature, they cannot maintain that range until restarted. That is why, when the device accomplishes the goal, that is raising the temperature to around 37 degrees Celsius, it is now taken into the patient body. If this is not done, the fluid is likely going to lower the temperature again.

Nevertheless, they are able to provide heat and warmth to this fluid without affecting the functioning and structure of living cells like white and red blood cells as well as other cells. These devices are therefore important and are usually used during transfusion of large amounts of blood such as half or above half of the whole body volume. They also play important role in providing the necessary temperature when transfusion is to be done in a rapid manner.

When a patient is likely to suffer cold agglutinins, these devices become very beneficial is eliminating this negative effect. On the other hand, elderly, neonates and pediatric patients should be accorded special considerations before this can be done to them. Also, people suffering cardiac and chronic disorders should also be treated in the same manner.

The devices are supposed to be in operation mode prior to the exercise so as to provide temperature rise in a gradual and systematic way not in a random way that can affect the cells. When properly utilized, negative effects associated with cold temperature will not be experienced. The devices, on the other hand, are not disposed after a single use as they are reused. They are also convenient devices more the countercurrent that requires auto start-stop to keep the required temperature.

However, they are drawn back by aspects like failure to have temperature maintenance ability. The only way to keep the fluid warm is by constant functioning, once switched off, they cannot maintain the attained temperature.

Infusing warm fluids in the bloodstream does not necessarily mean that the body temperature will rise. They are just remedial ways of providing warmth.




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