A blood warmer is a device used to warm blood or other fluids for medical purposes. They are often used in surgery, and can be very helpful in preventing hypothermia in patients. For example, the MEQU blood warmer is a blood warmer that was made for emergency transfusions. This means that it can be used in situations where there is no time to warm the blood prior to transfusion. The MEQU blood warmer can be set up easily and has a compact design. It also has temperature sensors that can make the blood-warming process smoother. This makes it perfect for use in ambulances and helicopters. Therefore, it is a useful investment for any hospital or healthcare facility.
What Is a Blood Warmer Used For?
As mentioned, a blood warmer is used to keep blood at a certain temperature. This is important because if blood is too cold, it can cause complications during transfusions. Blood that is too cold can also cause the patient to feel colder than usual and may even lead to hypothermia.
There are two types of blood warmers: passive and active. Passive blood warmers use external sources of heat, such as hot water bottles or heating pads, to warm the blood. Active blood warmers, on the other hand, use electricity to generate heat. An active blood warmer is more effective than a passive blood warmer because it can warm the blood faster and maintain a consistent temperature.
Below are the most important uses of a blood warmer:
To Prevent Complications During Transfusions
One of the most important uses of a blood warmer is to prevent complications during transfusions. When blood is transfused into a patient, it must be at the correct temperature in order to avoid any complications. If the blood is too cold, it can cause the patient to feel colder than usual and may even lead to hypothermia.
To Keep the Blood From Clotting
Another important use of a blood warmer is to keep the blood from clotting. If the blood is too cold, it can cause the red blood cells to clump together and this can make it difficult for the transfusion to be effective. Therefore, it is important to use a blood warmer to keep the blood at the correct temperature so that it does not clot.
To Prevent Infection
Another use of a blood warmer is to prevent infection. If the blood is too cold, it can cause the white blood cells to become less effective and this can lead to an increased risk of infection. Therefore, it is very important to keep the blood warm to prevent infection.
There are many types of blood warmers available on the market and they all have their own advantages and disadvantages. However, it is important to choose a blood warmer that is right for you and your needs. There are many factors that you need to consider when choosing a blood warmer. These factors include the following:
The Type of Blood Warmer
Choosing between the passive and active blood warmer will be the first decision you need to make. Active blood warmers have a heating element that warms the blood, while passive blood warmers rely on things like body heat or a warm environment to heat the blood.
The Size of Blood Warmer
Another factor you’ll need to consider is the size of the blood warmer. There are many different sizes of blood warmers available on the market and you need to choose one that is right for you. If you are going to be using the blood warmer for a large volume of blood, then you’ll need to choose a larger size.
The Cost of Blood Warmer
Another factor you need to consider is the cost of the blood warmer. There are many different prices for blood warmers on the market and you need to choose one that is right for you. If you are on a budget, then you’ll need to choose a cheaper blood warmer. However, if you are willing to spend more money, then you can choose a more expensive blood warmer.
The Ease of Use
Ease of use is another factor you need to consider when choosing a blood warmer. This is because blood warmers are usually used for emergencies, which means they need to be easy to use. Otherwise, you may not be able to use them in an emergency.
The Safety of the Blood Warmer
Safety is another factor you need to consider when choosing a blood warmer. This is because blood warmers can be dangerous if they are not used properly. Make sure you choose a blood warmer that is safe for you and your needs. For example, it’s better if you go for a blood warmer that has a built-in safety feature that will turn it off if it gets too hot.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best blood warmer for you and your needs. Blood warmers can be a great addition to your emergency kit and they can help you in an emergency situation.
How To Use the MEQU Blood Warmer
The MEQU blood warmer is a great tool to use when you need to transfuse blood or blood products. Here is how to use it:
Remove the packaging
To remove the MEQU Warmer from its packaging, break the tamper-proof seals and disconnect the Luer locks.
Connect the tubes
Connect the short tube (blue) Luer lock to a primed QAS supplied giving set.
Prime the MEQU warmer
To start, open the roller clamp on the giving set. Next, slowly prime the MEQU Warmer until fluid drips from the patient (red) connection port.
Make sure no bubbles are visible
Check the °MEQU tubing for any air bubbles. If air bubbles are visible, tap the tube firmly a few times to remove all of the air bubbles.
Close the giving set’s roller clamp
Make sure to close the giving set’s roller clamp before attaching it to the patient.
Connect to the patient cannula
Use the patient (red) connection port to connect to the patient’s patent cannula or primed Alaris M 2-way extension set.
Secure the warmer
To prepare the MEQU Warmer for use, remove the protective film from the adhesive tape and attach it to the front of the patient’s wrist. Wrap each side of the adhesive tape around
the wrist snugly to secure it in place.
Connect the MEQU Warmer to the Power Pack
Connect the charged Power Pack’s plug to the MEQU Warmer. A self-test will start (flashing red LED) and heating will begin (blinking green LED). When a constant green LED is observed, it indicates that the fluid temperature has been maintained.
Make adjustments as needed
Adjust the rate of blood or blood product infusion as needed. Check the infusion site for extravasation on a regular basis.