Mindray uMEC10, Operator'S Manual

Page: 157 / 288

16-1
16
Monitoring Carbon Dioxide
(for uMEC12/uMEC15)
16.1 Introduction
CO
2
monitoring is a continuous, non-invasive technique for determining the concentration of
CO
2
in the patient’ airway by measuring the absorption of infrared (IR) light of specific
wavelengths. CO
2
has its own absorption characteristic and the amount of light passing the
gas probe depends on the concentration of the measured CO
2.
When a specific band of IR
light is passed through respiratory gas samples, some of IR light will be absorbed by the CO
2
molecules. The amount of IR light transmitted after it has been passed through the respiratory
gas sample is measured with a photodetector. From the amount of IR light measured, the
concentration of CO
2
is calculated.
CO
2
measurements are used to monitor the patient’s respiratory status.
CO
2
monitoring is intended for adult, pediatric and neonatal patients.
16.2 Safety
WARNING
z
Remove the airway sampling line from the patient’s airway while nebulized
medications are being delivered.
z
Leakage in the breathing or sampling system may cause the displayed EtCO
values to be significantly low. Always make sure that all components are securely
connected.
z
EtCO values measured from the CO module may differ from those of from the
blood gas analysis.
z
Route all tubing away from the patient’s throat to avoid strangulation.
z
Inspect the airway adapter for a tight connection and proper operation before
attaching it to the patient.
z
Squeezing or bending the sampling line during the CO measurement may cause
inaccurate CO reading or no reading.
z
Avoid mechanical shock to the CO module configuring the paramagnetic oxygen
sensor.