Warming blood before transfusion

Abstract

Summary 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°C, 37°C and 45°C for up to 2 hours. The procedure was repeated after 2 and 4 weeks' storage at 4°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.