Neonatal Incubator Principles

<p>Below the infant compartment</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Air curtain</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A neonatal incubator is a rigid box in which an infant can be kept in a controlled environment for observation and care. The device may include a heater, a fan, a container for water to add humidity, a control valve through which oxygen may be added, and access ports for nursing care. The neonate lies on a mattress in the infant compartment, which is enclosed by a clear plastic hood. Most incubators have hand access ports with doors that permit the infant to be handled while limiting the introduction of cool room air. The clinician can raise or remove the plastic hood or open a panel to gain greater access to the infant. Some units feature an air curtain that causes warm air to sweep past the opening. Most incubators warm the infant by a forced or natural flow of heated air. At least one unit supplements air convection by actively warming the incubator walls to reduce radiant heat loss. Another unit uses a mattress of warm water, rather than a convective airflow, to warm the infant. Heating and humidification systems are located below the infant compartment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The components of a neonatal incubator include a heater, a fan, a container for water to add humidity, a control valve through which oxygen may be added, and access ports for nursing care. The heater is used to warm the infant by a forced or natural flow of heated air. The fan, container for water, and control valve contribute to maintaining the controlled environment by adding humidity and oxygen as needed. Access ports with doors permit the infant to be handled while limiting the introduction of cool room air. The heating and humidification systems are located below the infant compartment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Most incubators warm the infant by a forced or natural flow of heated air. At least one unit supplements air convection by actively warming the incubator walls to reduce radiant heat loss. Another unit uses a mattress of warm water, rather than a convective airflow, to warm the infant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The clear plastic hood encloses the infant compartment and serves to create a controlled environment for the neonate. It allows the clinician to gain access to the infant, and some units feature an air curtain that causes warm air to sweep past the opening when accessing the infant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Most incubators have hand access ports with doors that permit the infant to be handled while limiting the introduction of cool room air. The clinician can raise or remove the plastic hood or open a panel to gain greater access to the infant, and some units feature an air curtain that causes warm air to sweep past the opening.</p> Signup and view all the answers