• S Dietz and M Behne.
• Zentrum der Anaesthesiologie und Wiederbelebung des Klinikums, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt/Main.
• Infusionsther Transfusionsmed. 1993 Oct 1;20(5):212-6.

BackgroundTransfusions of refrigerator-temperature blood, particularly when given very quickly, may induce severe hypothermia. In Germany, blood warmers used to avoid this danger mainly operate with dry heat.Material And MethodsIn the current study we compared the Fenwal BW-5 (Travenol), the Biotest BW 385 and BW 385L (Biegler) and the DW 1220 (American Pharmaseal) at different flow rates of packed cells and Ringer Lactate solution, respectively.ResultsUp to flow rates of about 30 ml/min higher transfusion temperatures were reached by the Biotest BW 385L than by other warmers. Above flow rates of about 60 up to about 100 ml/min only the Fenwal BW-5 reached a transfusion temperature higher than 30 degrees C.ConclusionsFor routine transfusions and infusions the Biotest BW 385L is the most suitable warmer. If a massive transfusion is necessary, it is recommendable to use two or three Fenwal BW-5 or to apply other technologies.

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