Examination of Patient Tray Food Service Equipment/An Evaluation of the Alpha Cart

摘要

The patient food cart (Alpha Cart) to be used in their new hospital facility was evaluated for operating and functioning characteristics first with a model bentonite, glycerine water system and then with food products representative of those to be served to patients. The results show that the cart heats very erratically, and substantial differences in heating occur from one trial to another. Testing with food products shows that the cart, even at its highest heater code settings, will not heat all surfaces of many foods above the minimum required 140 F (60 C). The refrigeration unit generally maintains cold foods in the desirable chill temperature range, even while other products are being reheated.