A system for heating a medical fluid includes a container including a fluid path including an inlet side and an outlet side. A broadband infrared radiation source including a power supply is coupled to a broadband emitter for emitting infrared radiation. The broadband emitter provides a focal location within the fluid path to heat the medical fluid to generate a heated medical fluid. A flow turbulence enhancing structure mixes the heated medical fluid to reduce temperature gradients therein. A fluid detector senses a presence of the medical fluid in the fluid path and generates a fluid sensing signal. A controller is coupled to receive the fluid sensing signal and has an output coupled to the power supply for controlling a power output of the power supply based on the fluid sensing signal indicating a presence of the medical fluid in the container.