Anesthesia Equipment Maintenance and Calibration Procedures

-

 Anesthesia equipment checking and calibration are crucial steps in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical procedures in the operating theater. 

operationtheatertips.blogspot.com


Here's a step-by-step explanation:

Preparation:

Gather the necessary tools and documentation, including calibration certificates, user manuals, and any specific checklists provided by the equipment manufacturer.

Visual Inspection:

Examine the anesthesia workstation for any visible damage, loose connections, or signs of wear. This includes checking hoses, cables, and the physical condition of the equipment.

Power-Up Test:

Turn on the anesthesia machine and associated equipment to ensure proper power-up sequences. Verify that all components, such as monitors and ventilators, initiate without errors.

System Check:

Perform a system self-test if available. This test helps identify any internal malfunctions within the anesthesia machine.

Gas Supply Verification:

Confirm the availability of medical gases and check the pressure levels. Ensure that the pressure regulators are functioning correctly.

Ventilator Calibration:

Calibrate the ventilator to ensure accurate tidal volume delivery, respiratory rate, and other parameters. Use a calibrated test lung to verify the ventilator's performance.

Gas Flow and Vaporizer Calibration:

Calibrate the flow meters to guarantee accurate gas delivery rates. Check and calibrate vaporizers for volatile anesthetics to ensure precise administration.

Oxygen Analyzers:

Calibrate and verify the accuracy of oxygen analyzers. Confirm that the concentration of inspired oxygen is within the specified range.

Pressure Monitoring:

Calibrate pressure monitoring devices, including those for airway pressure, PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure), and other relevant parameters.

Temperature and Humidity Control:

Ensure that the temperature and humidity control systems, if present, are functioning properly to maintain a suitable environment for the equipment.

Alarms Testing:

Test and verify the proper functioning of alarms, including high and low pressure, low oxygen concentration, and any other alarms specified by the equipment.

Documentation:

Record the results of the checks and calibrations in a log or checklist. Include details such as date, time, equipment condition, and any corrective actions taken.

Regular Maintenance:

Establish a routine maintenance schedule for the anesthesia equipment based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Regularly check and update calibration records.

Staff Training:

Ensure that the healthcare personnel operating the anesthesia equipment are trained on proper usage, checks, and emergency procedures.

Regular and thorough anesthesia equipment checking and calibration are essential to maintain patient safety and the overall effectiveness of medical procedures in the operating theater. It also helps in compliance with regulatory standards and ensures that the equipment functions as intended.

Popular posts from this blog

How to prevent retractor fatigue during surgery?

-
Image
  Retractor Fatigue During Surgery A retractor is a surgical instrument used to hold back or separate tissues during a surgical procedure. It is typically a flat or curved blade with a handle that can be adjusted to various angles. Retractors are commonly used in various types of surgeries, such as abdominal, thoracic, and orthopedic procedures, to provide better visibility and access to the surgical site. They can also be used to hold organs or other structures in place during a procedure. Retractor fatigue during surgery refers to the physical exhaustion that can occur in surgeons when using retractors for prolonged periods of time during an operation. This can lead to decreased precision and increased risk of errors.  Manual retraction, a task performed to expose the surgical site, poses a high risk for musculoskeletal disorders that affect the hands, arms, shoulders, neck, and back(1).   To prevent retractor fatigue, surgeons may take frequent breaks, use assistive devices, or
Read more

Difference between anesthesia machine & ventilation machine

-
Image
  An   anaesthetic machine   ( British English ) or   anesthesia machine   ( American English ) is a   medical device   receives medical gases (oxygen, nitrous oxide, air) under pressure and  accurately controls the flow of each  gas individually. A gas mixture of  the desired composition at a define  flow rate is created before a known  concentration of an inhalational  agent vapour is added. Gas and  vapor mixtures are continuously  delivered to the common gas outlet  of the machine, as fresh gas flow  (FGF) , and to the breathing system  and patient . Components of anesthesia machine: It consists of  1.Gas supplier 2. Pressure gauges 3. Pressure regulators (reducing  valves) 4. Flowmeters 5. Vaporizers 6. Common gas outlet 7. A variety of other features, e.g.  high-flow oxygen flush, pressure  relief valve and oxygen supply  f ailure alarm and suction  apparatus 8. Most modern anesthetic  machines or stations incorporate  a circle breathing system.   The machine is commonly used to
Read more

Autoclave principle, working and its types

-
Image
Autoclave  principle, working and its types  Steam Sterilizer / Autoclave :    The autoclave is a sealed device (similar to a pressure cooker) that kills microorganisms using saturated steam under pressure .  Principle :   The use of moist heat facilitates the killing of all microorganisms, including heat-resistant endospores which is achieved by heating the materials inside the device at temperatures above the boiling point of water.    Method :   Moist heat in the form of steam under pressure causes the denaturation & coagulation of proteins by following steps . 1.Conditioning :   The usual procedure is to heat at 1.1 kilograms/square centimeter (kg/cm2) [15 pounds/square inch (lb/in.)] steam pressure, which yields a temperature of 121°C. At 121°C, the time of autoclaving to achieve sterilization is generally considered to be 15-20 min, depending on the volume of the load.    2. Exposure : Direct saturated steam contact is the basis of the steam sterilization process. For a s
Read more