[Comparative study of blood and infusion heaters at various flow-through rates].
BACKGROUND
Transfusions of refrigerator-temperature blood, particularly when given very quickly, may induce severe hypothermia. In Germany, blood warmers used to avoid this danger mainly operate with dry heat.


METHODS
In the current study we compared the Fenwal BW-5 (Travenol), the Biotest BW 385 and BW 385L (Biegler) and the DW 1220 (American Pharmaseal) at different flow rates of packed cells and Ringer Lactate solution, respectively.


RESULTS
Up to flow rates of about 30 ml/min higher transfusion temperatures were reached by the Biotest BW 385L than by other warmers. Above flow rates of about 60 up to about 100 ml/min only the Fenwal BW-5 reached a transfusion temperature higher than 30 degrees C.


CONCLUSIONS
For routine transfusions and infusions the Biotest BW 385L is the most suitable warmer. If a massive transfusion is necessary, it is recommendable to use two or three Fenwal BW-5 or to apply other technologies.
Dietz
S
S
Zentrum der Anaesthesiologie und Wiederbelebung des Klinikums, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt/Main.
Behne
M
M
D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006361:Heating / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007552:Isotonic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000077325:Ringer's Lactate
D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D000077325:Ringer's Lactate
Vergleichende Untersuchung von Blut- und Infusionswärmern bei verschiedenen Durchflussraten.