Intra-operatively all patients should be kept warm by:
• Limiting exposure of the patient as much as possible.
• If available, use fluids from a thermostatically controlled warming cabinet (maximum temperature being 41.0°C) and only run through when ready to use.
• All surgical irrigation fluids should be warmed in a thermostatically controlled cabinet.
For surgery lasting more than 60 minutes, or if other risk factors present:
• Warming blanket appropriately selected, or thermal drapes/ thermal hats if available.
If blood, blood products or large volumes of fluid expected to be administered:
• Fluid warming insert.
Patient temperature should be measured and recorded as soon as practical after transfer into theatre.
• The temperature should be measured and recorded at least every 30 minutes to 1 hour for the duration of surgery.
If the EAR temperature is below 35.0°C or falling consider:
• Increasing the temperature of the warming blanket.
• Raising the ambient theatre temperature.
• Limiting exposure of the patient with blankets, surgical drapes etc.
• Use of a foil hat.
• Warming the intravenous fluids.