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[Comparative study of blood and infusion heaters at various flow-through rates]
1Zentrum der Anaesthesiologie und Wiederbelebung des Klinikums, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt/Main.
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.
Material And 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.