Microwave warming of peritoneal dialysis fluid.

A nursing research study was undertaken to determine whether biochemical composition of peritoneal dialysate fluid was altered with microwave heating and whether the external bag temperature of the heated dialysate was a reliable reflection of the actual fluid temperature. No significant laboratory changes were found in the control, heated, or superheated solutions. By closely following established time frames for specific bag solution volume, agitation of fluid prior to instillation, and external temperature check with specific minimum and maximum acceptable temperatures, peritoneal dialysate can be microwaved and used safely.