Is it safe to microwave normal saline plastic bottles?

[vanfitnurse, BSN]

Most wound care protocols start off with:

1. Irrigate with warm normal saline

We have this bottle at work. I'm embarrassed to ask coworkers, so I ask you guys: Do I just pop this whole bottle in the microwave and set it to ~60s?

[smf0903]

I wouldn't use a microwave...maybe someone else has better insight, but I would think you'd use something like the pad/blanket-type warmers like are used to warm bags for peritoneal dialysis. Or sit the saline bottle in a container of warm/hot water. I'll be curious to see what others say!

on a side note, don't be afraid to ask questions at your work!! That's how you learn! No one knows everything and even seasoned nurses have to ask things every now and again. Good luck! :)

[mrsboots87]

Asking "what do we use to warm the NS bottles in this facility" is a pretty generic and easy question to ask if you don't want to appear as if you don't know how to warm one. It simply asks how this facility wants it done.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Contact the saline manufacturer or look on their website and download their recommended guidelines for warming saline bottles. Look up your employer's policy and compare it to the manufacturer's guidelines, they should be consistent, otherwise it is a liability risk for the employer.