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  • By Mark Cooper


    If you or someone you know is about to be added some pints of body fluid, there may be nothing to worry about since the procedure is largely considered to be safe. In the past however, when the blood warmer cuff and many other medical devices had not been introduced, transfusion was a very subtle procedure. These devices continue to do a perfect job at minimizing most risks associated with transfusion.

    There are many medical practitioners around the world, who are yet to comprehend why they need to incorporate this device among others in their medical procedures. However, to better understand the use of such devices, it would be prudent to begin with looking at some of the threats that doctors face during delicate surgical procedures. It is equally important that you get to sit down with your doctor and see whether they use these tools.

    One of the most serious conditions that is associated with transfusion is known as hypothermia. Usually, the body operates under an optimum temperature. When this temperature goes low beyond the recommended levels, normal body functions are inhibited. During transfusion, cold blood products are added to the patients to boost their levels. This products requires warming to increase its temperature to that of the body.

    To avoid cases of hypothermia, medical practitioners recommend the use of warmers. These devices warm fluids that are about to be transfused into patients. This device is not used in all transfusions. It is only recommended during cases where the patient requires large transfusions, such as those that have gone through massive trauma. This is why it is vital for your doctor to conduct a series of tests before recommending warming of fluids.

    When using these fluid warmers, doctors are advised to keep a keen eye on temperature. If you find a careless medical practitioner, any rise in temperature above the recommended warming levels will result in hemolysis. This is a situation where red blood cells are raptured due to high temperatures. Transfusion of such fluids into the patient is likely to cause more harm instead of helping them recover.

    Transfusion procedures are not just limited to fluid warmers. Medical practitioners also use different pressure infusion devices, such as cuffs. When using this device, it is important for the doctor to follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer regarding the use of catheters, filters and ports. In cases where these instructions are not followed, catheter wall rapture may occur or even the rapture of vessels.

    The use of these devices during transfusions can increase the odds of getting better clinical results. Conditions such as hypothermia are known to cause a number of clinical conditions including longer stay at the hospital. Lengthened stay at the hospital means paying more at the end of the day. With these equipment however, such scenarios are avoided and patients end up with superior clinical experience.

    Patient warming practices are used in surgery centers, clinics and hospitals to improve the comfort of the patient and clinical outcomes. However, this is also one of the policies set by regulatory agencies, which doctors have to comply with. All the same, their use has more advantages than their disadvantages.




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