Medical Gas Systems

 Medical gas systems are a critical part of many healthcare facilities. They deliver regulated drugs in both liquid and gaseous states to patients.

These highly specialized delivery systems require stringent installation, maintenance, testing/monitoring, safety practices and inspections to ensure they are up and running properly. These challenges can often be daunting, but they can be addressed with proper planning and implementation.

Ventilation

Ventilation is the intentional introduction of outdoor air into a building or room, and is used to control indoor air quality by diluting and displacing pollutants originating in the space.

Typical ventilation systems use a combination of natural, mechanical and hybrid (mixed-mode) ventilation. The type of ventilation system used in a building depends on the environment and the specific needs of the users.

Medical gas systems require a very thorough design, installation and maintenance. They also have to pass annual inspections by third-party verifiers to ensure patient safety and staff compliance.

A well-designed medical air plant can provide the cleanest air possible. However, poor construction techniques and improper maintenance can create contaminants in the airstream from construction debris, such as sand, solder, flux, dirt, etc.

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Compressors

Compressors in medical gas systems are a vital component of providing safe and high quality air for patients. These compressors provide the power to run surgical tools, pneumatic equipment and a range of other applications.

The air pumped out of the compressors goes through various stages to ensure that it is clean and dry. This includes filters that are designed to remove particles from the air.

One of the most common contaminants in medical compressed air systems is water and moisture. This can cause damage to distribution piping, air receivers and patient care equipment.

It also causes system condensation and corrosion. These problems are costly and can lead to frequent repair bills and setbacks in the operation of your facility.

Vacuum Pumps

Vacuum pumps are a key component of many medical vacuum systems. These are used to generate a negative pressure environment for various procedures, such as removing mucus from the airways of patients or draining fluids from wounds.

Typically, medical vacuum systems include a vacuum pump, a collection canister, and a network of tubing that connects the vacuum pump to the canister and the various suction devices that are used during the procedure.

A medical vacuum system is an essential part of any healthcare facility. If yours isn’t working properly, it could cause serious issues for your employees and patients.

To keep your medical vacuum pump functioning, you need to make sure it’s being serviced by a company that understands your needs. You also need to be certain that your system meets all of the standards required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Piping

Medical gas systems, in a hospital setting, are assemblies that supply piped oxygen, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and medical air to patient rooms, recovery areas, operating rooms, and more. They are monitored by computerized alarm systems that alert hospital staff to any anomalies in the system.

The piping for the delivery of these medical gases is made from a special type of copper tubing. It is NFPA 99-approved and meets the same requirements as other positive pressure medical piping.

Some medical gas mixtures are used in controlled aerobic or anaerobic incubator atmospheres for biological cell culture and tissue growth. Others are for lung function testing and blood gas analysis.

Some of these gas mixtures can also be sedating, depending on the procedure or application. For instance, deeper levels of sedation are needed for certain MRI or CT scans.