The Effect of Intravenous Catheter Diameter on the Temperature of Fluids Warmed by the Level 1(TM) Fluid Warmer
Abstract
a quasi-experimental design was chosen to determine what effect intravenous catheter diameter had on the temperature of fluid warmed by a rapid infusion warmer (i.e., Level 1 Fluid Warmer). The study was conducted in an operating room under simulated surgical conditions. One bag of Ringer's lactate solution was infused by gravity (108 cm height) through the Level 1 Fluid Warmer and then through each of 4 different sizes of intravenous catheters (i.e., 18 ga, q6 ga, 14 ga, and 8.5 Fr). Temperature was measured in degrees Celsius at the following sites: (a) the operating room, (b) the fluid bag, (c) the exit point of the warmer, (d) the exit point of the air eliminator, and (e) the hub of the intravenous catheter. The difference in fluid temperature between the exit point of the warmer and hub of the intravenous catheter was used to determine heat loss. Room temperature was maintained at 21. + or - 0.5 C. Results of the study indicated that catheter diameter had a significant effect on fluid temperature. While no heat loss occurred with the 8.5 Fr intravenous catheter, fluid temperature progressively decreased with each smaller catheter size. Data analysis were performed using a one-way analysis of variance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA227765
Entities
People
- Timothy F. Bruce
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology