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Accuracy of 94 anaesthetic agent vaporizers in clinical use
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Accuracy of 94 anaesthetic agent vaporizers in clinical use

J Nielsen, F M Pedersen, F Knudsen, M B Jensen and M Ibsen
British journal of anaesthesia : BJA, Vol.71(3), pp.453-457
09/1993
DOI: 10.1093/bja/71.3.453
PMID: 8398533
url
https://doi.org/10.1093/bja/71.3.453View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Using the Brüel & Kjaer Anaesthetic Gas Monitor type 1304, we have monitored the output of 94 anaesthetic agent vaporizers (Fluotec 3:58, Enfluratec 3:24, Isotec 3:12), in seven departments of anaesthesia, at different dial settings and flow rates. The range of output, for one type of vaporizer and dial setting (flow: 6 litre min-1) was largest with the Fluotec 3 (0.85-1.55% when dial set to 1%) and smallest with the Isotec 3 (0.85-1.15% when dial set to 1%). In determining the number of vaporizers with unacceptable inaccuracy, we applied acceptance limits of +/- 15% relative on each vaporizer and each dial setting. Using a flow of oxygen 6 litre min-1 17% of Fluotec 3.8% of Isotec 3 and 71% of Enfluratec 3 vaporizers had outputs outside those limits. Even when some specific conditions (vaporizers giving output beyond the limits at any two or more dial settings; output beyond the limits in the clinically relevant range (0.5-2%)) were added, a substantial number of vaporizers did not perform within the limits. We found a significantly greater accuracy of the vaporizers after 3-monthly calibration checks (P < 0.05) compared with vaporizers undergoing service and calibration only annually. Using a questionnaire, we found that fewer than 30% of the anaesthetists using the vaporizers would accept aberrance beyond +/- 10% relative of the dial setting.
 Nebulizers and Vaporizers - standards Anesthesia, Inhalation - instrumentation Calibration Time Factors Equipment Safety

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