The potential for increased risk of infection due to the reuse of convective air‐warming/cooling coverlets

Abstract

This study demonstrates that the use of the coverlets, intra- or postoperatively, can lead to significant bacterial contamination. It is concluded that it is not advisable to reuse coverlets for multiple clinical applications.

A randomised controlled trial of the electric heating pad vs forced‐air warming for preventing hypothermia during laparotomy

“…Unlike forced-air warming, there is no consumable associated with use of the heating pad, so the latter is cheaper in long-term use. For forced-air warming, the hose, the warming units and even the brand new commercial blankets have been shown to be potential sources of nosocomial infection [3][4][5]. The heating pad warming system, which comprises a control unit, an electric cable and a heating pad, has no hidden space for bacterial colonisation and is theoretically easier to clean.…”

Comparison of forced‐air warming and electric heating pad for maintenance of body temperature during total knee replacement

“…The efficacy of forced‐air warming for maintaining normothermia has been well documented [8]. However, cost is a concern: the disposable blankets available costs more than UK£15 (€21; US$20) each and are not recommended for re‐use on another patient, the frequency of bacterial contamination tripling after single use [5]. Even if a brand new blanket is used on each patient, the problem is not eliminated.…”

“…The most commonly used method of active warming is forced‐air warming [3]. However, the warming units and even the brand new commercial blankets have been shown to be potential sources of nosocomial infection [4–6], with pathogenic organisms found in the interior of the hose, which is difficult to clean. The Operatherm 202 electric heating pad (KanMed, Bromma, Sweden) comprises a control unit, an electric cable and a heating pad.…”

Infection control hazards associated with the use of forced-air warming in operating theatres

“…Other limitations include: the noise of the system, the cost of consumables e although no robust analysis between the two groups has been performed e and the potential risk of contamination from the pump and airhose system. 42 Resistive heat warming is based on resistive polymer technology. 43 The system is safe as it uses low-voltage DC currents passing through a semiconductive polymer fibre fabric with temperatures safely maintained by a central computer.…”