HemoTemp II QC

[lef5501]

How are you doing QC of the HemoTemp II blood temperature monitors? Are you just taking temps and recording flower blue, 4-6 visible? Just wondering what everyone else is doing to QC these things.

[sgrovenger]

lef5501- Here is the procedure we use in our transfusion services

Instructions: The below procedure will be performed every six months (sooner if new lot number).

• Properly activate and appropriately attach a HemoTemp II to an expired unit of red cells.
• Using crushed or cubed ice; bring the temperature of a small pan of water to 1°C using the NBS thermometer.
• Place the ‘expired’ unit of red cells into the pan of water angling the unit so as not to wet the HemoTemp II and allow to stabilize for 10 minutes (add additional ice to maintain temperature if necessary). Gently rock the unit in the pan of water to allow for equilibrium of temperature.
• After the unit has stabilized, record the indicated temperature of the HemoTemp II along with the color of the numbers and the color of the irreversible ‘flower’ (should be blue at this time) in the column marked 1°C.
• Gradually warm the pan of water to 5°C allowing the unit to again stabilize for 10 minutes (gently rock to allow temperature equilibrium).
• Record the temperature indicated and the color of the numbers and the irreversible flower in the column marked 5°C.
• Repeat this procedure at 8°C, 10° and 12°C allowing the unit to stabilize 10 minutes at each change in temperature. Record the temperature indicated on the HemoTemp II and the color of the irreversible flower each time in the appropriate marked column.
• With the pan of water at 12°C add ice back to the pan to bring the temperature down to 1-2°C.
• Allow unit to stabilize for 10 minutes before recording temperature indicated and the color of the irreversible flower in the last column marked 1°C.

Acceptability:

• As the temperature increases, there is a color change in the numbers (reversible area) and the color of the irreversible flower changes from blue to non-blue (temperature reaches above 10°C).
• As the temperature is decreased back to 1-2°C, the color of the irreversible flower does not change back to blue.