Disposal of the Anesthesia Machine Flashcards
What does WAG stand for?
Waste anesthesia gas
What is the purpose of the scavenger system?
Collect vented gases from the breathing circuit /ventilator and remove them from the OR
What are the two different types of scavenging systems?
Active
Passive
What regulation agency determines safe WAG exposure?
National institute of Occupational Safety and Health
What are the NIOSH recommended limits for halogenated agents alone?
< 2 ppm
What are the NIOSH recommended limits for halogenated agents used with N2O?
N2O < 25 ppm
Halogenated < 0.5 ppm
What are the NIOSH recommended limits for N2O alone?
< 50ppm
What problems have been linked to overexposure of WAGs?
Increased risk of fetal injury and miscarriages are associated to exposure to these agents
What types of cases will the exposure to WAGs be the greatest?
Pediatric cases, we mask induce allowing more gases into the atmosphere
What size is the transfer tubing in the gas collection assembly?
19 or 30 mm (sometimes yellow in color)
What type of disposal assembly has suction?
Active
Where two tubes lead into scavenger interface?
Tubes from APL and Ventilator relief valve
What is the purpose of the gas disposing tubing?
It carries gas from interface to disposal assembly
What is the purpose of the reservoir bag on the disposal circuit?
If gas enters the disposal circuit faster than it being suctioned out, the gas sits in the reservoir bag (like a holding tank)
What will occur if the reservoir bag is inflated beyond its max capacity?
The scavenging system will allow gas to leak into the operating room through a positive pressure relief valve