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Methods for Warming Blood Products

A transfusion medicine physician in Canada recently became medical director of a hospital transfusion medicine and hematology service. Since starting his new job, he discovered that some areas within the hospital warm up blood products in the sink, rather than using formal blood-warming equipment. Apparently there is only one blood-warmer for the entire hospital, and that piece of equipment is located in the operating room. The inquiring physician is concerned that warming blood in a sink may not be the most prudent of practices, and he is asking for input from colleagues regarding the safety of this local practice. He intends to discuss other methods of blood warming with the hospital administration, and he would appreciate any input that colleagues of the e-Network Forum can provide.

Editor's NOTE: Colleagues are referred to the following resources for further information on this issue:

Please submit comments to the e-Network Forum.

Ira A. Shulman, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Editor & Moderator
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Posted: December 24, 2003

Addenda:

The e-Network Forum is supported in part by the California Blood Bank Society (CBBS) and the American Red Cross Blood Services (ARCBS) and endorses collegial discussion among blood banking and transfusion medicine professionals. However, neither the CBBS nor the ARCBS in any way endorse the specific views and opinions expressed in the forum. The forum is not intended as a substitute for medical or legal advice and the content should not be relied upon for any medical or legal purposes. Readers should make their own determinations as to: (i) what constitutes appropriate medical, technical, and administrative practices, and (ii) how best to comply with laws and regulations relevant to their questions. For the latter, they should consider consulting, as to any medical matters, a qualified physician, and, as to any legal matters, an attorney familiar with related state and federal laws. The user of the forum, by accessing same, assumes all risks arising out of such use and releases CBBS and their respective members, directors, officers and agents from and against any loss, damage, claim or liability arising out of such use of the Forum.