Help - Blanket Warmers

Just the other day at the surgery center where I work I wondered why the blankets weren't as warm as they usually are. We were told that the iv fluid we also stored in there couldn't be stored at that warm of a temp. so until a separate warmer is installed for fluids, our warm blankets are aren't really very warm anymore.

Thanks for the reply batmik. Some of the units we are looking at have a seperately controlled fluid department so that might address the issue. I glad you responded though because we did not know of that issue. Do you happen to know the brand of unit you are using and it a good unit otherwise?

Thanks Again,

Scott

Just the other day at the surgery center where I work I wondered why the blankets weren't as warm as they usually are. We were told that the iv fluid we also stored in there couldn't be stored at that warm of a temp. so until a separate warmer is installed for fluids, our warm blankets are aren't really very warm anymore.

I don't know the brand. It is a small unit not a full size like a refridge. I work only occasionally there and don't know when I will work there again, maybe next week. I will look at the brand then. I know about a year ago we had to have some repairs on it but otherwise it does a great job getting those blankets warm.

We have used a Castle brand for the past 15 years and it works well. We do have two units, one for IV solns and the other for warm fluids and blankets. We have our IV solns warmed to a certain temp and date them so they do not stay in the warmer more than 7 days. We rotate stock well so the solns only are in the warmers for no more than 2-3 days.

cant help you on the blankets, we use disposable blankets through which we circulate hot air and bin them after each patient. as for the fluid warmer cant remember which one but will look on monday, we have about 4 types in our or.

I don't know the brand of the warmers we use but they're like the size of a big fridge with two doors. The top door opens to a medium size compartment where we put blankets. The bottom door (which is larger) opens to a large size compartment divided by a shelf. On the shelf we put our bottles and 3L irrigation bags of fluids. Under the shelf we put the remaining blankets. BTW, we have two separate temperature controls for the top door and the bottom door. The top door has a higher temp than the bottom one. I can try to find out the brand for you.

Just wanted to say thanks to all that responded. My wife ordered one and wanted to say thanks also.

We have a large, two area warmer in our OR.

It's made by AMSCO, Steris now owns them I think.

Anyway....I love our warmer. We have the top set around to 100-105, for IV'S and irrigation fluids.

The lower chamber is set closer to 150 believe it or not, and the cotton blankets come out nice and toasty.

We also put a couple of baby blankets and occasionally a gown or two.

And before you ask....no, we have never had a fire!!

The pt's love our blankets.

Sometimes I tell 'em that we don't give drugs, we just turn down the lights and put warm blankets on them. :chuckle

I'm not sure of the model number. I'll check on Monday and let you know if you wish.

Very trustworthy unit by the way....had it for years, almost no problems.

Just wanted to say thanks to all that responded. My wife ordered one and wanted to say thanks also.

So which did you decide on? Why did you (she) chose that particular unit? Once you have the unit, possibly y'all could post a few words about it.

Can't hurt to complete this thread so that anyone searching in the future may have some tangible info! :)