F LOW CH AR AC TER IST IC S
The Belmont
®
buddy lite
™
Blood/Fluid Warmer
is designed for gravity flow. The maximum
flow rates achievable will be determined by the size of the catheter employed.
The disposable has been designed to withstand up to 300 mmHg infusion pressure, provided
the disposable set is within the Heater Unit and latched. The system is designed to maintain
normothermic temperature at flow rates specified (50 ml/min for undiluted RBC’s at 10
º
C,
and 80 ml/min for 20º C crystalloid). However, at higher flows, the fluids administered may
not heat to normothermia.
There are no adjustments for the Heater Unit.
Pressure Drop:
The disposable and heating unit does not restrict flow. If flow appears to be restricted:
•
Check the infusion site to ensure catheter has not infiltrated the surrounding tissue
•
Check to make sure line is not crimped or clamped off
•
Out-gassed fluids may be causing air build up in the disposable. If air restriction is
suspected:
o
Detach the unit from the patient connection
o
Holding the case with the patient connection port upward, tap the case gently
while allowing a few seconds of free flow to remove air. Reattach the unit to
the patient with a fluid-to-fluid connection.
o
If flow continues to be restricted, replace the disposable set.
Air Venting
As fluid flows through the disposable set, it passes across microporous membranes, which
can vent air from the fluid. The air is then released through the side vents of the set.
When
infusing crystalloid, the set can vent large amounts of air. With blood or blood
products, the set can vent only small amounts of air. CAUTION: When using blood
or blood product, the Operator should be vigilant to avoid infusing air especially if
using a hand squeeze pump during the infusion
. A pressure-regulating valve,
incorporated into the disposable set, prevents abnormally high pressure greater than
approximately 300 mmHg from reaching the set or the patient. A second valve built into the
set prevents air entrainment by stopping flow if a partial vacuum is present.
During
normal operation
– water vapor, along with out-gassed air from warmed fluid, will
be vented and will cause condensation to appear within the side vents after prolonged use.
This should
not
be mistaken as a seal failure due to materials or workmanship.
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