AANA journal
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Three methods of warming intravenous (IV) fluids were examined. An in-line blood warmer was generally ineffective at flow rates of < 250 mL/hr but did produce temperatures of 30 to 31 degrees C at the catheter when the infusion rate was 500 to 1,000 mL/hr and the tubing was insulated. An in-line hot water bath produced temperatures of > or = 30 degrees C at flow rates of 200 to 1,000 mL/hr with uninsulated tubing. ⋯ Warming at rates of 200 to 1,000 mL/hr is most effective with an in-line hot water bath. Warming at low infusion rates is best accomplished with a K-Thermia pad. The use of in-line blood warmers for routine fluid warming is ineffective.