diathermy

Re: diathermy

Phrin Vernon RVN — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:44:46 GMT

We used to use water I think!? Was about 10 years ago, and haven't worked in anywhere with diathermy since.... I remember being told to use a squirty bottle, and it was certainly neither ultrasound gel or spirit! lol! Thinking about it, yes, it was distilled water!

We didn't shave patients either

Good to learn that there is no contact agent needed - just patient to plate! It always worried me that the water would lead to a drop in temp.

Re: diathermy

Selena Carnell — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:09:03 GMT

we never had contact issues, just put the plate under the animal and that was it.

Re: diathermy

Juliet Drummond DAVN (med) RVN D32/33 — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 22:49:28 GMT

i have never experienced an issue with the plate contact for diathermy. it is sufficient to ensure that the ground plate is directly below the area of use.

it is wise to allow any spirit based products to completely dry before use (and avoid them altogether in very small patients)

what type of diathermy unit do you have?

Re: diathermy

bongo — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:24:15 GMT

we use ultrasound gel and if the animal is particularly hairy then shave a patch when prepping the patient to place the plate on. This is normally sufficient to get good contact, of course of you are using a bipolar handpeice you dont need a contact plate :)