crucial, since, as noted, temperatures need to stay within a specified
range to ensure patient safety and fluid stability.
Final considerations
Since needs and loads may change over time, make sure shelving is
customizable, like the shelving in a refrigerator. If your cabinet is stay-
ing put once you have it in place, which is likely to be the case, the
priority is to make sure it has a good sturdy base, so there's no danger
of its tipping over. But if the cabinet might be moved between loca-
tions, there are both countertop models and floor models that can be
equipped with heavy-duty casters and wheels. Models with doors that
hinge both left and right also promote mobility and flexibility by pro-
viding a wider range of possible locations. And of course you want to
make sure any cabinet you buy meets UL standards.
Do you want or need to be able to access the same cabinet from
both inside and outside the OR? Pass-through cabinets offer two-sided
access to the same supplies. OSM
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Your warmer should have an LED temperature display,
separate cabinets for fluids and blankets,
and glass-window doors.
Dr. Lawson (gaswarrior@hotmail.com) is an anesthesiologist at the
Adult & Children's Surgery Center of SW Florida in Fort Myers, Fla.
