CLINICAL - Leak Testing Breathing Systems

Question 1

Label the components of this breathing system

Answer 1

Question 2

Describe how to leak test a breathing system

Answer 2

1. First connect the breathing system to the anaesthetic machine
2. Close the APL valve
3. Place your thumb over the patient end of the system
4. Press the oxygen flush button to fill the system with oxygen until the reservoir bag appears fully inflated
5. Check for leaks via signs of deflation for 10 seonds. You can even give the bag a light squeeze
6. Open the APL valve (do not remove your thumb until the APL valve is closed so you do not accidentally leave it closed)
7. Remove your thumb
8. State if the outer tubing (or just tubing if it is not a coaxial system) and the bag do/do not have a leak

Question 3

Describe how to leak test the inner tube of the coaxial bain system

Answer 3

1. Turn on the anaesthetic machine
2. Set the oxygen flowmeter to 4-6L/min, reading from the top of the bobbin
3. Briefly occlude the inner tube at the patient end using a syringe plunger
4. If the inner tubing is intact, back pressure will cause the flowmeter bobbin to drop
5. Be careful not to be forceful when occluding the inner tube as the force itself can slightly move the bobbin - giving a false reading
6. State if the inner tubing does/does not have a leak