Abstract
Background: In 2014, ECRI recommended that blanket warming cabinets be set at a maximum temperature of 130°F because of safety concerns with warmed rolled and folded blankets. We could find no research to support this recommendation. Purpose: To measure skin temperatures and thermal comfort in healthy volunteers before and after application of folded and rolled dry cotton blankets warmed in 130°F or 200°F cabinets. Design: Randomized, descriptive, and comparative study. Methods: Participants (n = 20) received two blankets (one rolled and one folded) from warming cabinets set at 130°F or 200°F. Folded blankets were applied to the back and rolled to the neck. Skin temperatures and thermal comfort were obtained at fixed time intervals. Finding: Skin temperatures from blankets in the 200°F cabinet were greater than those in the 130°F cabinet. No skin temperatures reached temperature and/or duration thresholds for dermal injury. Conclusions: This study provides supportive evidence that warming cabinets may be set at a maximum of 200°F without compromising patient safety.
Original language | English (US) |
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Journal | Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing |
DOIs | |
State | Accepted/In press - 2016 |
Keywords
- Blanket warmer cabinet
- Dermal injury
- Skin temperatures
- Thermal comfort
- Warmed cotton blankets
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medical–Surgical