HEATING BATH

Typical Number in Hospital: 20

Cost Bands: 2,3

References:

This is a small tank containing oil, water or wax, with a heater and thermostatic controller to achieve steady temperature in the fluid in the tank. The most common types are blood warmers in which water is heated to just above normal body temperature, through which blood is passed within a coil of plastic tubing, to raise its temperature to a suitable level before infusion into the body. In this case the bath consists of a stainless steel tank, an electric heater, a thermostat, and a stirrer to ensure even distribution of heat. The device usually has secondary overlimit temperature cut-out to operate in case of failure of the thermostat.

Heating baths containing oil are used in the pathology laboratory for raising the temperature of fluids undergoing chemical reactions. Similar baths containing wax are used in the physiotherapy department for imparting heat to diseased or injured limbs at just above body temperature. Heated wax baths are also used in the preparation of ear moulds for hearing aids.