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Aug 2, 2022

What is Nitrous Oxide? 

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or happy gas, is an oxide of nitrogen with the formula N₂O. It is a colorless and non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet scent and taste. It is not to be confused with nitrogen (N2) or nitric oxide (NO).

Where Is It Used?

Nitrous oxide is an anesthetic commonly used for mild sedation and pain relief in medical and dental procedures, as it helps to relieve anxiety, allowing the patient to relax.

How Does It Feel?

Since nitrous oxide is not meant to put the patient to sleep, they are still able to hear what is going on around them and even respond to the doctor’s questions. It is a central nervous system depressant which slows down and relaxes your body. You may feel light-headed, giggly, happy or euphoric under its effect. 

What are Its Side-Effects?

While nitrous oxide is generally safe to use under proper guidance of a doctor, some people might experience certain side effects during or after use, the most common being nausea and headache. Children might also feel agitated on exposure to nitrous oxide. However, these side-effects are only reported in around 5% of patients. Occasional usage is considered safe but with frequent procedures involving nitrous oxide, the long-term side effect of developing anemia is associated.

What are the Risks of Recreational Use?

Nitrous oxide is also used by people for recreational purposes to feel intoxicated or high. Recreational users generally dispense it into a balloon and inhale it directly into the mouth for the euphoric effect and slight hallucinations it causes. Such unsupervised use of nitrous oxide can have risks associated with it, like nerve damage, fainting, low blood pressure, hypoxia and even heart attack. Nitrous oxide affects coordination and can prove to be dangerous if you try to drive or operate heavy machinery under its influence.

How to Test for Nitrous Oxide Exposure?

Anesthesiologists, nurses and other healthcare professionals working in operation theatres and intensive care units are regularly exposed to nitrous oxide for prolonged durations. In order to prevent long-term effects on their health, nitrous oxide testing must be done to determine that the exposure is within safe limits.

Need nitrous oxide testing done? Order Medical Testing Solutionsnitrous oxide monitoring badge for hassle-free testing. You just have to record all data required and fill out the monitoring data sheet included. After testing is over, return exposed monitors and monitoring data sheet back to Medical Testing Solutions. After complete laboratory analysis, a comprehensive test report will be delivered to you via email, in 3-5 business days. Browse through our website for more information on our products and services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, MTS has various partnerships with a number of medical gas installation contractors. Each sub contractor employees qualifying ASSE 6010 Medical Gas Installers ready to meet your needs.
A Medical Gas Certification (Also called a medical gas verification) is an NFPA required inspection and approval of newly installed medical gas delivery systems. All newly in installed medical gas pipeline and equipment must be certified by an ASSE 6030 before use.
Answer: Per NFPA guidelines, it is a requirement for any facilities using medical grade gases for the purpose of human consumption to have their gas delivery systems inspected by and ASSE 6040. Read more about Medical Gas Inspections Here.
Answer: Yes, MTS provides annual medical gas inspections. We provide discounts on Annual Inspections when you sign multi year contracts. Read more about Medical Gas Inspections Here.
Answer: The Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board issues medical gas piping certification to medical gas system installers who possess valid certification from the National Inspection Testing Certification Corporation or NITC. Certification from other organizations may be considered with approval of the board.
Yes, we can adapt any fittings to the desired hosing for any medical grade gas. High pressure gases such as Nitrogen can also be accommodated.
Yes, Those items for shipment to countries outside of the U.S. may be subject to taxes, customs duties and fees levied by the destination country (“Import Fees”). The recipient of the shipment is the importer of record in the destination country and is responsible for all Import Fees.
With respect to each item for which Import Fees have been calculated, you authorize Export or Merchant (as applicable) to designate a carrier (“Designated Carrier”) to act as your agent with the relevant customs and tax authorities in the destination country, to clear your merchandise, process and remit your actual Import Fees for such item.
Import Fees Deposit” represents an estimate of the Import Fees that will be levied on the items in your order for shipment to countries outside of the U.S. By placing your order, you agree to allow Export and/or Merchant (as applicable) to collect the Import Fees Deposit for the applicable items in your order. This deposit will be used, on your behalf, to reimburse the Designated Carriers for the import fees that they have paid on your behalf to the appropriate authorities of the destination country.
Answer: Per NFPA guidelines, it is a requirement for any facilities using medical grade gases for the purpose of human consumption to have their gas delivery systems inspected by and ASSE 6040. Read more about Medical Gas Inspections Here.

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MTS is an ASSE 6030© Licensed medical gas verification company and providing NFPA code compliant medical gas certification services all across the U.S.

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MTS is an ASSE 6020© Licensed medical gas inspection service company, providing annual inspections on medical gas systems throughout the U.S.

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Installations

MTS provides medical gas systems installations per the NFPA 99  using our certified ASSE 6010© Licensed medical gas plumbers all across the U.S.

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Maintenance

MTS is an ASSE 6040© Licensed medical gas maintenance company providing the highest quality medical gas maintenance services all across the U.S.

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