Gas Cylinders in Medical Settings: Safety and Storage

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Gas Cylinders and Their Use in Medical Settings

A gas cylinder is a container that holds a gaseous compound under pressure for use in medical settings. The stored compound can be gas or liquid, with the output from the cylinder being gaseous. Gas cylinders provide a portable and safe way to store the compounds needed in medical settings.

Gas Cylinder Sizes and Capacity

Gas cylinders are identified by nationally recognized letters ranging from A to M, with volume increasing as the letters of the alphabet proceed. The E-sized cylinder is the most commonly used size in medical settings and has a service pressure of 1900 psi. However, it may be filled up to 10% more to 2200 psi, allowing for expansion at temperatures higher than 70°F. The gas cylinder's color system is standardized and identifies the type of gas it contains.

Pin Index Safety System

The Pin Index Safety System is in place to prevent the incorrect connection of gas cylinders in medical settings. This system provides a standardized, unique pin configuration system that acts like a lock and key to prevent the mismatching of gas cylinders with their corresponding connections. Extreme caution should be exercised when handling gas cylinders and their pressurized gas.

Safe Storage and Transportation of Gas Cylinders

Cylinders must always be secured vertically and transported on a cart or carrier to minimize any chance of falling over. Cylinders should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area at temperatures below 125°F, and away from exposure to extreme weather conditions. It is advisable to separate full and empty oxygen cylinders to prevent any accidental usage of an empty cylinder during an emergency. Only qualified personnel should refill cylinders. Cylinders must be insured that all vital information is permanently etched onto them.

Calculating Oxygen Time Remaining in Cylinders Using Boyle's Law

Boyle's law is a principle that one could use to calculate the oxygen time remaining in an E-sized cylinder accurately. The pressure of the gas times the volume equals a constant at a fixed temperature. The container's volume can be established by comparing the gas' pressure and volume when the cylinder is filled to what is currently in the tank.

Perioperative Care Team Communication

Continuous communication within the perioperative care team regarding the management and technique of gas cylinders is vital. Informed consent must be obtained from the patient before anesthesia administration. Also, team members must feel empowered to state any concerns they have regarding the process to ensure buy-in from all stakeholders. Team members have the duty to communicate their concerns, responsibilities, and activities with each other continuously throughout the perioperative period.

Based on an article from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513350/