Safe use of your ventilator tester
The COVID-19 coronavirus is highly contagious and is believed to be spread through respiratory droplets.
I am doing my part to stop the spread of it and working from my home office, so if you hear any loud or weird noises in the background, I have three very active boys running around upstairs.
That said, I would like to talk to you today about special considerations in testing ventilators and anesthesia machines. Today I'll be using the Fluke Biomedical VT900A. The same concepts can be applied to Fluke Biomedical VT650 or other ventilator anesthesia machine testers you can find on the market.
The first thing I would like to talk about is the use of a pre-filter between the device you are testing and your analyzer. This will protect the flow tubes in your analyzer as well as your test lock from contamination. And this could be considered to be changed in between cases or when you believe it's been fouled. Water and other contamination will restrict the airflow and can alter your readings. These are supplied by Fluke Biomedical or you may be finding them in your hospital's central supply. Typically associated with brand new, breathing, or with the anesthesia machines.
The next thing I would like to talk about is the use of rubber gloves. Both the VT650 and the VT900A can be operated while you are wearing rubber protective gloves and you can see that I can simply change the screen while wearing my gloves.
The next thing I would like to talk about is limiting the number of devices you are using to carry into the room to do your job. The VT650 and the VT900A incorporate multiple devices all into the one chassis. We have our main flow tube, for flow, pressure, volume and oxygen. We also have an ultra-low flow port at the bottom, as well as a pressure meter. It also does room temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. Cutting down the number of devices you need to carry into the room. Which means fewer devices that you'll have to decontaminate when you are done. Another consideration is to leave your bag outside, the carrying case this comes in is cloth and can absorb those contaminants. When you're done using your VT650 or VT900A, shut it off and use the decontamination wipes, which are hospital supplies, and not only wipe down the front operating surface, but the back of the device and all the sides as well before you move to the next device you're testing.
For more information, check back at FlukeBiomedical.com often. Thank you very much, and have a great day!