Air detection performance of the level 1 H-1200 fluid and blood warmer.

We evaluated the Level 1 H-1200 fluid warmer during simulated conditions of minor to massive air embolism. The fluids we tested were crystalloid and diluted red cells (estimated hematocrit 50%) during gravity and pressure driven flow. The air volumes tested ranged from 1-60 mL for crystalloid and 30-150 mL for red cells. No air was observed distal to the air detector and clamp during all test conditions. The device consistently alarmed and automatically shut off flow. Air was easily purged through the gas vent-filter assembly during simulated air embolism with crystalloid but not with red cell infusion. The use of ultrasonic air detection coupled with automatic shutoff is a significant safety improvement of the Level 1 H-1200 fluid and blood warmer.