anaesthetic machine check, oxygen failure warning device Options

[Elaine]

Hi all,

I'm interested in members opinions on checking the oxygen failure warning device during a routine check of the anaesthetic machine prior to use (level 2 I think ANZCA call it).
I have done this routinely for many years but I was told recently that it was not necessary so I'm keen to know what others think.

Thanks, Elaine

[Shane Guy]

Elaine,
If it is the ANZCA standards of checking the machine, then that is what we are bind too do. ANZCA standard PS31 states the college guidlines.
Shane Guy
ASAPO
Public Relations Officer

[Elaine]

Elaine,
If it is the ANZCA standards of checking the machine, then that is what we are bind too do. ANZCA standard PS31 states the college guidlines.
Shane Guy
ASAPO
Public Relations Officer

Thanks Shane, but I was actually wondering what others do. So do you?

P.S. The current ANZCA guidelines don't mention this on the 'level 2' check, but I'm sure they did prior to the current revision of PS31

[Shane Guy]

Elaine,
ANZCA state that "Verify the functioning of the antihypoxic device" 4.2.3.1 of the low pressure system check. Could this mean turning off the oxygen supply and listening to the Howerson (spelling?) alarm and notice the nitrous drop before the oxygen does or are they stating that if you turn the oxygen down with nitrous turned on at the same time that you notice the drop in nitrous to obtain the 25% anti hypoxic device is working? There does seem to be a lot less in the PS31 these days and I am sure that it was in more detail last publication.
I personaly do the same technique that I have done so for the past 15 or so years, and yes I do check the anti hypoxic device in both ways stated above. A tried and true method that I have been passing on to all students who want to listen to me bable on.
My question to all that are reading this is the same as Elaine's, HOW DO YOU CHECK YOUR MACHINE?? Let us know and dont be afraid to add a reply to this thread.
Cheers
Shane

[Elaine]

Elaine,
ANZCA state that "Verify the functioning of the antihypoxic device" 4.2.3.1 of the low pressure system check. Could this mean turning off the oxygen supply and listening to the Howerson (spelling?) alarm and notice the nitrous drop before the oxygen does or are they stating that if you turn the oxygen down with nitrous turned on at the same time that you notice the drop in nitrous to obtain the 25% anti hypoxic device is working? There does seem to be a lot less in the PS31 these days and I am sure that it was in more detail last publication.
I personaly do the same technique that I have done so for the past 15 or so years, and yes I do check the anti hypoxic device in both ways stated above. A tried and true method that I have been passing on to all students who want to listen to me bable on.
My question to all that are reading this is the same as Elaine's, HOW DO YOU CHECK YOUR MACHINE?? Let us know and dont be afraid to add a reply to this thread.
Cheers
Shane

Shane,
Checking the antihypoxic device is different to checking the oxygen failure warning device, or Howison device as it was known on earlier anaesthetic machines. This needs to be checked too of course, checking that at least 25% oxygen is delivered no matter what flow of nitrous is set. When I check a machine I routinely dial a gas flow, and then disconnect the oxygen from the wall supply, then wait for this alarm to activate.
I do hope others do add to this discussion and yes, I'm sure you're right that PS31 does not go into as much detail as prior policy documents have done. Is this because the more modern computerised machines are now commonplace maybe?? Or maybe these devices are 'failsafe' on computerised anaesthetic machines??
Anyway thanks for replying, and hope to hear from other APOs.

Elaine