Warming efficacy of Ranger™ and FT2800 fluid warmer under different room temperatures and flow rates

The comparison of the heating capabilities with different warming system between 3M™ Ranger™ warmer (3M) and FT2800 fluid warmer (FT) under different room temperatures and infusion rates, has been rarely reported previously. The study was then aimed to compare the warming efficacies of dry heat technology (3M) and coaxial warming system (FT) under different room temperatures and infusion rates, the advantages and disadvantages of both infusion systems would be compared to provide reference for clinical infusion practice. In the study, both target warming temperatures of 3M and FT warmer were set at 41 °C, fluid was administrated under 20, 22 and 24 °C room temperatures and drip rates of 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 200, 350 drops min^-1. The fluid temperature at the outlet of the infusion tube (T_outlet) was measured and compared. The T_outlet of FT was higher than that of 3 M (P < 0.001) under different room temperatures. The T_outlet of FT increased with the room temperature raised (P < 0.05). As for 3M, T_outlet was lowest at 20 °C (P < 0.001) and no statistical difference of T_outlet was found between 22 and 24 °C (P = 0.667). Linear regression showed that the T_outlet of 3M increased with the speed up of drip rate, while the T_outlet of FT was decreased. The relationship between T_outlet & room temperature & drip rate for both 3M and FT warmers was calculated by a formula. 3M Ranger™ and FT2800 show different heating capabilities under different room temperatures and drip rates. 3M is more efficient at high flow rate while FT is more efficient at low flow rate. There is a formula relationship between T_outlet & room temperature & drip rate for both 3M and FT warmers.