IV Warmers: Pros and Cons of IV Equipment Varieties
Determining which intravenous items to utilize is a crucial decision for all healthcare institutions. The following is a comprehensive guide of IV warmers, highlighting benefits and disadvantages for each option to assist providers in selecting appropriate intravenous equipment for specific treatment environments.
Permanent Fixtures
Cabinet IV warmers are electric appliances designed to reach and maintain ideal temperatures for blankets and fluids in a stationary setting, often distributed among floors or departments of hospitals and clinics. They resemble a mini or full-sized stainless steel household refrigerator, including shelving options or glass window door fronts for content visibility. Due to their considerable weight and space limits, stands with wheels are available as additional purchases. Heating time requires several hours depending on the amount of fluid inside each unit, much like conventional oven times fluctuate with the amount of food being baked. Lengthy manuals are provided to warn faculty of injury, electric shock, burn, and explosive hazards during installation, daily use, and routine maintenance. Recommendations include checking temperature accuracy, replacing fans attached to motor shafts, and securing door hinges regularly. Heating cabinets consume abundant energy as a result of the constant flow of electricity maintaining internal temperature.
Pros
Exceptional storage capability
Cons
Stationary
Distance from administration
Slow timing
Maintenance and energy consumption
Attachments
Controls are designed to heat and monitor individual fluids attached to standard IV poles. Often a plastic remote-like feature, the attachment is used in critical locations to compensate for cabinet restrictions during emergencies. Although an improvement from permanent fixtures, they are still confined to standard devices.
Pros
Time-sensitive care administration
Detailed monitoring
Cons
Pole restriction
Additional cabinet cost
Containers
Slung over shoulders of paramedics, IV equipment containers are lined with insulation and heat-reflective materials, holding three liters, measuring 13x11x7″. A cord set is provided for charging, with battery conditioning and cigarette-lighter outlet plug. Like cabinets, the length of heating fluctuates by load, requiring temperature adjustment with each bag removal. Lights indicate status; green meaning a range of 99 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit, red meaning the fluid is still heating. Maintenance includes soap cleaning, recharging, and date labeling fluids. Liquids heated for more than two weeks are considered a potential hazard to patients.
Pros
Mobility
Strap for ease of movement
Cons
Additional facility cost
Limited capacity
Continuous power use
Vague readings
Sanitation and safety maintenance
Disposables
In-line, battery-powered IV warmers are technologically advanced for all areas of medicine providing the fastest, most reliable response-timing for everyday and emergency needs. Weighing only nine ounces, units demand minimal energy by operating with long-lasting rechargeable batteries. Startup time consists of thirty seconds, followed by an accurate temperature in forty-five seconds. Disposability of medical devices eliminates routine maintenance, sanitation, patient transportation, and safety concerns whether fluids are administered rapidly, or in long-term continuous doses. Used as a replacement rather than an addition to permanent fixtures, portable units are designed for compatibility with any standard IV equipment set, proving to be one of the most affordable equipment enhancements an agency or facility can acquire for health professionals and patients.
Pros
Universal relevance
Lightweight, disposable, portable
Functioning time
Standard supply compatibility
Zero Maintenance
Cost-efficient
Cons
Does not heat blankets