Warming blood before transfusion. Does immersion warming change blood composition?

Abstract

The practice of warming blood for transfusion by immersion in a water bath has been studied. Blood, 3 days after collection, with CPD-adenine anticoagulant, was warmed at 25 degrees C, 37 degrees C and 45 degrees C for up to 2 hours. The procedure was repeated after 2 and 4 weeks' storage at 4 degrees C. Only trivial biochemical and morphological changes resulted from warming. Within these limits, immersion warming of blood appears to be a reasonable alternative to using a blood-warming coil. Other aspects of immersion warming are discussed.