In vitro comparison of heated saline-blood admixture with a heat exchanger for rapid warming of red blood cells

J Trauma. 1993 Nov;35(5):688-90; discussion 690-1. doi: 10.1097/00005373-199311000-00006.

Abstract

We compared the rapidity of rewarming and infusing red blood cells (RBCs) mixed with 24 degrees C, 50 degrees C, and 60 degrees C saline with the rapidity of administering undiluted RBCs through a heat exchanger. We measured flow rate, final temperature, and hemolysis in matched 41-45-day-old pooled AS-1 RBCs infused through high-flow tubing via a 14-gauge catheter under the influence of gravity. Undiluted RBCs were tested as controls. The final temperature of the 60 degrees C admixture technique was lower than that with the heat exchanger (28.5 +/- 0.2 degrees C vs. 32.7 +/- 0.2 degrees C), but the flow rate was higher (258 +/- 8 mL/min vs. 61 +/- 4 mL/min). Admixture with 60 degrees C saline resulted in no increase in hemolysis. This technique appears to be a simple, inexpensive method for rapid rewarming and infusion of RBCs and may be valuable for administration of RBCs simultaneously through multiple sites during resuscitation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Erythrocyte Transfusion* / instrumentation
  • Hot Temperature*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Rewarming / instrumentation
  • Rewarming / methods*
  • Safety
  • Sodium Chloride*

Substances

  • Sodium Chloride