Microwave heating of intravenous fluids.
Microwave heating of intravenous (IV) fluids is a viable alternative to heating by conventional means, such as by blood warmer(s) or an on-site warming oven, for administration to hypothermic patients and trauma victims. Three 1-l bags each of lactated Ringer's solution, normal saline solution, 1/2 normal saline solution, and 5% dextrose in water were packaged in parenteral containers and heated in a microwave oven from room temperature (21 degrees C) to 40-42 degrees C in 3 minutes. Little difference between temperatures of the four solutions was detected at each of five intervals up to two hours after heating for 3 minutes. Samples were taken before and after heating to assess any potential alterations in sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, glucose, and lactate levels; differences were within the range of variation of the methods used. Though the plasticizer in the polyvinyl chloride containers is stable to microwave heating, data on other components is incomplete.
D001831:Body Temperature; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000628:therapy; D008872:Microwaves; D012996:Solutions; D013997:Time Factors
D012996:Solutions