IV Warmer Device Innovation Creates Reliability

Technological innovations have improved the extent of care individuals receive in the healthcare industry. Large scale items such as MRI, X-Ray, and Ultrasound equipment have made it easier for professionals to treat their patients. The IV warmer device is another advancement which is also making its mark. It is used by medical facilities to pre-warm fluids provided through an intravenous or IV tube. They may also be implemented as a way to prevent patients from the onset of fluid-induced hypothermia in situations such as surgery. Most warmers are fairly lightweight for easy portability. They operate on disposable batteries allowing them to be used by medical facilities, emergency services, and the military.IV Warmer AdvancementsEvery IV warmer will have its own benefits depending on the manufacturer; however, there are some common traits among the available brands. Here are the most common features of this necessary medical item:• Capability to warm both IV fluids and blood.• Average temperature of 38 degrees Celsius• Typical flow rate between 2 and 150 ml/min• Automatic heat adjustment based on flow rate• Light weight• Portable• Battery power operation• Quick setup• DisposableModels using innovative technology have improved accuracy. Battery power allows the warmer to be used on emergency sites or during transport between facilities. It is placed in between the bag and the infusion site. The device is inserted below the IV tubing. Setup can be as little as thirty seconds. Most warm within forty-five seconds. Placement near the infusion site results in less heat loss. Fail-safes are used to prevent issues such as overheating. A portable IV warmer can remain with each patient for the entire duration of treatment. They are highly beneficial during situations where responders are in the field. Other uses include within ambulances, helicopters, and in emergency rooms.New advancements have improved overall IV warmer device functionality. Many devices require the use of a proprietary path for fluid disposal. This may be a type of custom tubing or cassette. Smart disposable technology has removed this complication, Microprocessor technology controls fluid path heating. Custom delivery sets are no longer necessary with this advancement. This results in fewer setup errors. Plastic housing is flame resistant. Medical grade stainless steel tubing is now being used to manage the fluid path. A heat exchanger is bonded to the fluid path. Standard fittings allow almost any type of IV connection. Sensors provide accurate temperature control.Not every warming device provider uses this newer technology. Other less effective models still make use of plastic tubing or cassettes for fluid. This setup may include warming baths or plates. Plastic does not retain or transmit heat well. These materials cause the device to not work as promised. Some IV fluid warmers even end up overheating due to the necessary increases needed to retain fluid temperature. Steel is a superior material for thermal conductivity. Low mass heaters, fluid path temperature regulation, and near infusion site warming are additional advancements which have improved the quality of present day warmers. Leaders in the industry are consistently applying the newest innovations to provide increased safety to medical patients.