IV Fluid Warmer Question.

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Specialty Oncology Pharmacy.

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick question? Has anyone ever heard of an IV pump/warmer integrated into one unit? Or does the warmer always come separately?

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

I've never heard of a dual pump and warmer. Our have always been seperate. We don't use the warmer frequently enough for it to be worth getting the two together.

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Hi Everyone,

Just a quick question? Has anyone ever heard of an IV pump/warmer integrated into one unit? Or does the warmer always come separately?

yes,i have seen this,the warmer is separate,and hooks on to the iv stand,but using a warmer you have to have different tubing,

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A rapid infuser does both.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

We use a "Hot Line" in the OR. I think that is separate...not sure. In our mobile surgical unit, the rapid infuser is what we use-the tubing alone is over $300!

Way back in the day when dirt was created, we used to fill up a urinal with warm water and loop part of the tubing into the urinal and warm it that way. I am sure that nobody does that anymore because it can't be regulated.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

This is the only one I know of.....

http://www.usamma.army.mil/assets/docs/startup/6515-01-500-3521_Blood-Fluid%20Warmer_HANDBOOK_INSERT_STARTUP.pdf

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Specializes in LPN.

Not really sure what you need an iv warmer for. The only problem I have is when I come on to a new unit and have to give an iv med first thing and it's in the fridge nice and icy cold. Then I put the iv into a plastic bag and then put it into a diaper and pour hot water in it, and let it sit for 15 mins. It is room temp in no time.

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Specializes in ER.
Not really sure what you need an iv warmer for. The only problem I have is when I come on to a new unit and have to give an iv med first thing and it's in the fridge nice and icy cold. Then I put the iv into a plastic bag and then put it into a diaper and pour hot water in it, and let it sit for 15 mins. It is room temp in no time.

The warm fluids are usually given when a patient is getting large quantities of fluids, i.e a trauma or if they are hypothermic and need rapid warming. The rapid infuser is the only combo I have seen as well.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Not really sure what you need an iv warmer for. The only problem I have is when I come on to a new unit and have to give an iv med first thing and it's in the fridge nice and icy cold. Then I put the iv into a plastic bag and then put it into a diaper and pour hot water in it, and let it sit for 15 mins. It is room temp in no time.

We have all done something similar at one time or another and in the old days we had no other choice but you need to be VERY CAREFUL that the fluid doesn't get too hot or has hot spots in it as it can cause some nasty burns......:)

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Specializes in Specialty Oncology Pharmacy.

Thnks guys! I was thinking of inventing something like an integrated iv pump/warmer, with the option to either have warming or no warming! I think it would be great when you need to do a rapid fluid bolus or hang blood:) Don't steal my idea, hehehe:p:idea:

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