The disposable set has a sterile fluid path, and is
intended for single-use only. The disposable set
has standard luer connectors and can be
connected to any standard catheter. It contains
two thin films, which contact the heater plates for
rapid heating of the fluid, and two internal
microporous membranes to vent out-gassed air
that is generated during heating, see Figure 2.
Figure 2: The buddy lite™Disposable Set
The set is color-coded and keyed to ensure proper placement in the Heater Unit, blue at the input
from a fluid administration set. Both heater plates are heated during operation. There is a built in
valve in the disposable set to prevent air entrainment into the patient and a pressure-regulating valve,
PRV, at the input to protect the set and the patient from unintended exposure to high pressure
applied to the IV line. This valve will allow increase flow by application of pressure, up to 300
mmHg, but will prevent pressure higher than this from reaching the set or IV line distal to it. There
is also a check valve at the output to prevent back flow.
SYSTEM AND TEMPERATURE MONITORING
Blood or replacement fluid is heated as it passes through the disposable that is in contact with the
heater plates in the Heater Unit. Thermistors on the heater boards measure the temperature of the
heater plates, and a microprocessor, mounted on each of the heater plates, controls the temperature
of the infusate. When the Heater Unit functions normally, the green LED on the Heater Unit will
blink with each heating cycle. An over temperature condition causes the unit to stop heating, the
green LED stops blinking, and an alarm alert will be activated and the blue/red LED will flash
alternately.
ALARMS AND ALARM MESSAGES:
Under alarm conditions, an audible alarm is activated and the blue/red LED flashes. Alarm
conditions include: Over Temperature, Probe Fault, Check for Air, and No Heat.
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