End Tidal Carbon Dioxide (EtCO
2
)
EtCO
2
- 19
SIDESTREAM MESSAGES
Message/Symptom
Possible Cause(s)
Recommended Action(s)
Breaths not registering (CO
2
and
RR values remain dashed and
the capnogram waveform
remains at baseline);
or
CHECK CO2 LINE with sample
cell connected and pump
running;
or
ZERO CO2 MODULE with no
sample cell connected.
Module improperly zeroed because pump
stopped or sample cell was disconnected
during zeroing.
Verify that the sample line and exhaust tube
are not kinked or blocked. Disconnect the
sample cell from the module. Reconnect
the sample cell and verify pump is running.
Perform module zero as described in
"Zeroing the LoFlo CO2 Module" on page 8.
Repeat the zeroing procedure a second
time. The LoFlo module is now ready to
use.
CHECK CO2 LINE displayed
during each inhalation. Message
disappears during exhalation.
or
Module not responding to
breaths. CO
2
waveform always
at 0 mmHg with no messages
displayed.
LoFlo module was zeroed with residual
CO
2
in the sampling line. CO
2
baseline is
set below 0 mmHg.
Perform a sidestream module zero as
described in "Zeroing the LoFlo CO2
Module" on page 8.
CHECK CO2 LINE
Sample line blockage
Verify that the sample line is plugged into
the module and seated properly.
Verify that neither the sample line nor the
exhaust tube are blocked, kinked, or
pinched. Verify that the airway adapter is
not blocked. If the sample line, exhaust
tube, or the airway adapter is blocked or
otherwise compromised, the pump shuts off
in approximately 15 seconds. To restart the
pump, correct the blockage, then remove
and reinsert the sample cell into the sample
cell receptacle.
If the problem persists, replace the sample
line.
CHECK CO2 MODULE
Module not properly plugged in. Module
over temperature.
Check that module cable is plugged in and
seated properly in the connector.
Check that module is not exposed to
excessive heat.
If problem persists, replace module.
CO2 IN LINE: WAIT
CO
2
in cannula/adapter when attempting to
zero.
Zeroing was attempted within 20 seconds
of a detected breath.
Wait up to 20 seconds before retrying
module zero.
Remove adapter or cannula tip from CO
2
source including the patient’s - and your
own - exhaled breaths, and ventilator
exhaust valves.
