Blood warming and hemolysis: a systematic review with meta-analysis

The use of fluid warmers during blood transfusion is recommended to avoid inducing hypothermia and its harmful effects. Fluid warmers offered by manufacturers can reach temperatures of 43°C. However, the recommendations of national regulatory organizations do not clearly indicate the maximum heating temperature in relation to the risk of hemolysis. To fill this gap, we conducted a systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis. To match clinical practice, this review was limited to fluid warmers that used contact heating; thus, studies that used radiofrequency or microwave heating were excluded.

Source: Transfusion Medicine Reviews - March 25, 2015 Category: Hematology Authors: Thomas G. Poder, Wendyam Gérard Nonkani, Élyonore Tsakeu Leponkouo Source Type: research