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Use of dielectric heating tube sealers to stop the flow of blood at the completion of donor phlebotomy

An orthopedic surgeon in Japan is interested to learn if colleagues who collect autologous blood ever use dielectric heating tube sealers to stop the flow of blood from the donor to the collection bag prior to removal of the phlebotomy needles. He reports that manufacturers in Japan prohibit the use of high frequency dielectric heating tube sealers in this situation. However, in the surgeon's opinion, this prohibition is controversial, because he is unaware of any evidence that the equipment produces an electric current or heat which may endanger the donor. He is also of the opinion that "some technicians have used these sealers prior to removal of phlebotomy needles in the USA or Europe." He wonders if colleagues would provide references to authorized guidelines or scientific evidence-based papers that address 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 17, 2004

Addenda:

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