Microwave Oven: How to Use It as a Crystalloid Fluid Warmer
Kaweesak Chittawatanarat MD*, Siriwasan Akanitthaphichat MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Background : Hypothermia is a common complication in the hypovolemic patient. Warm intravenous fluids
have proven valuable at preventing this complication during volume replacement. The microwave oven is
considered an applicable alternative method for warming fluids but no protocol has been established.
Objective : To evaluate the efficacy and affected variables of the microwave oven in warming crystalloid fluids
and to determine the appropriate formula for calculating the warming duration.
Results : The important variables influencing the operation of the microwave oven include the difference
between the crystalloid fluid and room temperature, the microwave oven’s capability, variations in microwave
irradiation, and fluid shaking. The appropriate formula for calculating warming duration is:
Duration (sec) =
Volume (cc) x 4.2j.g-1.K-1 x Raised temperature ΔT (K) x 1.1 (Adjusted power)
Microwave power (W)
Conclusion : The microwave oven is a safe and practical method for warming crystalloid fluids.
Keywords : Heating, Hypothermia, Isotonic solutions, Microwaves, Resuscitation
