Thermal Controlled Pads
Prevent Hypothermia with RICA's Patented* Thermal Controlled Products
> Safe and consistant temperature of 98-103°F.
> More durable. Built with heavy duty ABS medical grade plastic.
> Portable and user-friendly. Simple and quick to move and use anywhere in the clinic.
> Supported by RICA's exclusive 3-year warranty.
for more information please visit the Thermal Control Products website @ http://thermalpad4pets.com
*U.S Patent #5,371,340
DIRECTIONS FOR USE:
**After plugging in the pad, please allow the pad to cycle for approximately 30 minutes. This is the initial conditioning cycle.
**During the initial 30-minute conditioning cycle, the pad will heat to approximately 115-118°F, then cycle down to the optimum and safe temperature of 98-103°F. After this initial cycle, the pad will continue to cycle in this safe temperature range until unplugged or not being used (i.e. animal not on pad, no movement on pad, no weight on pad, etc.) after which it will automatically go into a sleep mode. See below.
**No need to cycle the pad again unless the pad has become cold (temperature less than 88°F), which would occur if the pad is unplugged for more than 10 minutes.
**As the pad is heating the green light remains on: this light will turn off when the pad reaches the optimum temperature range.
SLEEP MODE: As an economy feature, when no animal is on the pad the unit will reduce heating to approximately 88°F, then reheat to the optimum temperature range after an animal is placed on the pad (no need to re-cycle from sleep mode).
IMPORTANT: RICA recommends the thermal control product is checked prior to each use to be sure it is functioning in its operating range (98-103°F). If you need assistance or technical support, please contact RICA by phone or email at sales@mail.ricasurgical.com
FAQ's
1. Why does the green light keep going on and off?
The light turns on when the pad is heating.
2. My pad doesn't seem to get very hot. Is it working?
The pad's internal thermostat is set only a few degrees above your own body temperature. Try
feeling the pad with the back of your hand: you should and will feel warmth demonstrating the pad
is indeed working.
3. To use a towel or not?
Veterinary clinics frequently ask the question whether they can or cannot use a towel between
RICA's thermal pad and the patient; they want to use a towel to provide padding (comfort) for the
patient and/or to absorb fluids, such as urine, saline, etc. RICA's answer to this question is NO.
RICA strongly discourages clinics from using a towel between the pad and patient for the reasons
described below.
RICA's thermal pads are designed to function best with no barrier between the heat source and the
patient. Putting a towel between the pad and the patient creates a barrier which will then decrease
the effectiveness of the supplemental heat source, a concern when the product is being used to
prevent hypothermia. This would be true for any supplemental heat source. If a towel is used and
becomes wet with urine or other fluids, the towel will absorb the fluids and through wicking the
liquid would spread throughout the towel including areas not under the patient's body. The area of
the wet towel exposed to air would lower the temperature of the area on the pad it is touching. This
could cause the thermal pad's sensors to detect the drop in temperature, so the pad would heat up to
try and get back to the optimal operating temperature range of 98-103.5°F. This heating up of the
pad would occur until the entire pad is in the operating range and since only part of the pad is being
cooled, the temperature could reach unsafe levels on other areas of the pad. The same situation
could occur with fluids on the pad. If the fluid is being exposed to air, this could cause the pad to
cool (i.e. water evaporating), which could potentially have the same effects as a wet towel.
Therefore, RICA recommends all fluids be wiped up from the pad as quickly as possible.
RICA Surgical Products stands behind its thermal controlled products 100% when they are used
according to the instructions provided with each pad. If a customer chooses to use a towel between
the thermal pad and the patient, they must understand the potential risk, so you can prevent any
harm from occuring to the patient.
4. How do I clean my pad?
Use any household cleaner approved for use on plastics.
5. Does RICA have a customer service number?
Yes. Call 1-800-889-3218 (toll free) for assistance or with any questions.