Accuracy of Subjective Temperature Assessment of Surgical Irrigation Fluids: A Randomized Controlled Single-Blind Comparative Study

Abstract

imageStudies have shown that using warmed irrigation solution is an effective method for maintaining perioperative patient normothermia. This randomized single-blind comparative study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a hand-checking method to assess irrigation fluid temperature and suitability for use. Twenty-eight scrub nurses were enrolled and assigned to one of three groups using either hot, cold, or euthermic irrigation fluid. Measurements were taken at 30-minute intervals in either a cold (18 degrees C [64.4 degrees F]) or room-temperature (22 degrees C to 24 degrees C [71.6 degrees F to 75.2 degrees F]) environment. Incorrect assessments regarding irrigation fluid temperature were made by 89.3% of participants, with 78.6% doing so in the cold environment. Participants with experience in gynecological and plastic surgery were more accurate in their assessments. This study revealed disparities between subjective assessments and objectively measured temperatures. The high rate of inaccurate evaluations underscores the need to use objective methods for temperature measurements.