Anesthesia Leak Detection

Prior to each use, the anesthesia machine should be checked for leaks. If the soda lime was changed, the hoses were replaced or a new bag was attached, there is a potential for a leak in the system. Steps below.

• Turn on oxygen and check the vaporizer to make sure there is adequate iso. 

• Securely occlude the patient end of the circuit (white tube that connects to trach tube) with your finger

• Close the pop-off valve completely

• Depress the oxygen flush valve until a pressure reading of 40cm registers on the manometer

• Observe the needle of the manometer for declining movement, which would indicate a leak

• Without removing your finger from the patient end of the circuit, open the pop-off valve and the rebreathing bag should deflate.

• Turn off oxygen

• If there is a leak - is everything attached properly? Is the soda lime canister snapped in place correctly? Is the bag on tight?