Nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas, is an inhaled anesthetic that has been safely used in dental and medical procedures around the world since 1844. Because of its ease of use and quick action, nitrous oxide continues to be one of the most popular methods of sedation during dental treatments, including those that involve deep cleaning, wisdom teeth removal, and implants or tooth extractions.
Despite its popularity and effectiveness in keeping patients calm during procedures, nitrous oxide comes with its own set of risks and side effects that should not be ignored by both patients and medical professionals alike. In fact, a study published by the National Library of Medicine indicated “significant exposure of person working in substandard ORs in CH – Shtip were TWA reach up to 12 times above the highest recommended exposure values.”
Considering the gravity of the situation, here’s everything you should know about nitrous oxide exposure.
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a commonly used analgesic. It is a colorless, odorless gas and has been used in surgery for centuries to relieve pain during medical procedures. Because it is widely available and relatively inexpensive, nitrous oxide can be found in hospitals and dentist offices worldwide. In some countries, however, it is illegal to use nitrous oxide outside of a medical setting. This gas isn’t without risk, though; if you are exposed to too much, it could cause serious side effects or even death.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified nitrous oxide as a general anesthetic that should only be used in dental or medical settings. While it is not flammable, nitrous oxide still poses significant risks to people who handle it without proper training and equipment. With too much nitrous oxide in a room, you may begin to lose consciousness, which can be deadly if you use nitrous oxide along with another drug that depresses your central nervous system, such as ketamine.
In addition to displacing oxygen from your bloodstream, exposure to high levels of nitrous oxide can cause pain in your chest and damage to your blood vessels (known as vasodilation). The decreased oxygen in your bloodstream caused by these side effects is more likely than the lack of oxygen to kill you when using nitrous oxide for recreational purposes.
It’s essential to undergo Nitrous Oxide testing when you suspect exposure to the gas because symptoms might not occur for as long as 48 hours after breathing the gas. A convenient and cost-effective way to measure nitrous oxide (N2O or “laughing gas”) exposure in the workplace is through a testing kit and nitrous oxide monitoring badges. These badges can be worn near the breathing zone to measure personal exposure or placed in a room to measure area concentration.
Are you looking for nitrous oxide testing kits for your facility? Get in touch with us to place your order!
Medical gas is a necessity for any hospital or healthcare facility to maintain its systems and success. If you’re new to the industry, you need to know the most common gasses, know how to use them, and understand the equipment and accessories required to ensure their uninterrupted supply, such as medical gas regulators.
Medical Air: Patients need clean air for their respiration needs. Medical air fulfills those needs by supplying clean, compressed air with no odors. It is kept dry to prevent the building up of water in the gas pipeline. Medical air also helps a surgeon keep a patient comfortable in the operating room.
Oxygen: Oxygen is the next in the row. It is an essential gas and a part of every facility. The gas is used for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to life support, trauma, resuscitation, severe hemorrhage, shock, cyanosis, carbon monoxide poisoning, and COPD.
Carbon Dioxide: It may come as a shock to many, but the gas is widely used for a myriad of less invasive surgeries. Carbon Dioxide is blown into the patient’s body cavity, allowing the surgeon to gain improved visibility and access to the surgical area by enlarging and stabilizing the body cavity.
Helium: Helium is used as an alternative to Carbon Dioxide sometimes. The gas is mainly used in critical conditions. Helium is believed to help prevent respiratory acidosis arising from the lungs’ inability to remove all the CO2 produced by the body.
Nitrogen: Nitrogen is another common gas used in hospitals — not for patients but to power tools when the instrument air is not available.
A medical gas pressure regulator is a valve system used to control the flow and pressure of gasses from cylinders to facilities. As the gasses inside the cylinders are high-pressure in nature, a regulator is required to ensure their controlled release and supply, making it one of the essential medical gas components used in hospitals.
Another essential component category is medical gas vacuum pumps used to suck and remove aggressive products from enclosed areas. For instance, medical vacuum systems are used in operating rooms for the aspiration of anesthesia, protecting the staff against its harsh side effects. Other crucial components include line isolation monitors, vacuum regulators, medical air flow meters, medical gas fittings, and more.
Medical gasses are essential for effective patient treatment and the facility’s success. Using quality components is the secret to ensuring their flawless supply. At the same time, it is vital to find energy-efficient systems that help enhance sustainability. The key to success is to reach out to an experienced medical gas product and service company well-versed in everything related to medical gas.
At Medical Testing Solutions, we offer technologically-advanced pressure regulators designed to deliver life-saving and highly important medical gasses from one central location in an efficient manner, ultimately reducing facility costs. If you’re looking for an efficient Oxygen gas pressure regulator, reach out to us today.
We all know how critical a role medical gas plays in different departments of hospitals. We can find them being used in intensive care units, operating rooms, emergency rooms, etc. Oxygen is used for supplementing oxygen for oxygen-deficient patients, nitrous oxide is used as an anesthetic agent, and carbon dioxide is used for inflating the abdominal cavity and colon for laparoscopy and colonoscopy. Other gases that are used include nitrogen, argon, helium, and compressed air. As much as using these gases is important, it is equally important to store them properly. It is the responsibility of the medical facility or center using these gases to strictly follow all the regulations and standards pertaining to medical gases.
In this blog, we will tell you the correct ways of storing medical gas in your medical organization. It is essential that all medical organizations using medical gases follow the below-mentioned tips.
One of the first things you need to do is, make sure the storage room where medical gases are stored is properly ventilated. One effective way of creating proper ventilation is using wire mesh steel panels for the walls. Another thing you should do is, make sure the storage room has a solid roof so that things such as fittings and valves are well-protected from the elements and operators are safe from weather conditions. Apart from these, it is also important to keep the storage room cool and dry. There should not be any corrosive material in the storage room.
The way you handle the cylinders is also important. You need to stop them from falling over, which you can do by storing them vertically in racks and securing them using safety chains. While safety chains are enough to secure cylinders, if you wish to secure them even more, you can consider using commercial straps and plastic coated wire cables. Keep in mind that certain smaller medical gas cylinders need to be stored in a flat position. So, if you using those gas cylinders, it is essential you use appropriate racks for them. Whatever cylinder type you use, ensure it is secured correctly and when they are not connected for use, make sure there are valve protectors on them.
You cannot take safety signs lightly. You must use them in the storage room so that anyone using the room knows what gas types are present in the room. Do not keep empty cylinders with cylinders filled with medical gas. Ensure there is a separate space in the room for keeping empty cylinders.
Apart from doing the above-mentioned things, two other things you must do include segregating non-compatible gases and using medical gas storage room only for storing gases and nothing else. If you need any assistance with a medical gas system in your medical facility or center, you can always get in touch with Medical Testing Solutions. Apart from selling medical gas outlets, hoses, fittings, compressors, pumps, pipelines, and other products, we also do verification, inspection, installation, and maintenance of medical gas systems. To know more about our services in detail, feel free to call us at 844-768-5744.
Manifold gas systems are a highly beneficial asset to any medical institution and healthcare facility. Used to dispense many gasses simultaneously, an oxygen manifold system installed in a facility serves multiple purposes, from supporting patients in surgery to aiding post-operative care.
The benefits accruing from the use of Oxygen have been long known, but it has also been recognized as the most inappropriately administered drug, like any other medication or compound. Like any other drug, Oxygen needs to be administered carefully at the appropriate dose.
Unmonitored and unrestricted administration can be potentially harmful and even put a patient’s life at stake.
Typically, gas cylinder manifold systems consist of large gas cylinders used to supply gasses via a pipeline to a building such as a hospital. These groups of cylinders are often arranged in two groups: primary and secondary. In most cases, the size J cylinders are commonly used, which usually can hold 6800 liters of Oxygen each or 13 600 nitrous oxide.
Oxygen manifold system is used to achieve the following purpose:
A comprehensive oxygen system consisting of the source-to-patient monitoring and support systems of power supply and maintenance is also used for therapeutic purposes. However, it’s vital for medical facilities to ensure that the system is installed away in an area separate from the building, not be exposed to the environment, and is highly well ventilated.
Considering the number of options available in the market, it’s essential to keep your requirements and the purpose they can serve in your mind. Here are a few things to consider:
Proper installation is of utmost importance. Any leakage, valve failure, damage to the alarm system, or any other system component from source to the patient can put an individual’s health at risk and threaten the safety of the facility.
Complications with inappropriate use of Oxygen can be both direct and indirect.
High oxygen concentration tends to cause tissue damage and organ failure with characteristic oxidative stress and oxygen radical production. It exposes one’s body to the risk of cytotoxicity and functional impairment. It can exacerbate a patient’s respiratory disease and be a powerful irritant.
The damage induced in type 1 and type 2 pneumocytes increases alveolar permeability, increasing the risk of lung collapse. Alveolar surface instability also triggers atelectasis development. The changes associated with atelectasis development are also a predisposition towards pneumonia.
The installation of gas cylinder medical systems in both invasive and non-invasive use-cases must be implemented in a logical, progressive, and gradual manner with proper evaluation of the pros and cons of the treatment. Your approach to installation must consider whether a patient requires supplemental Oxygen or artificial ventilation. Apart from reducing the detrimental health side-effects of administration, it will help substantially reduce medical costs.
With infection control being severely overlooked throughout today’s patient care, Amico has designed two different regulator models to help meet the needs of our patients and staff. The scout regulator, and the sentinel regulator! The sentinel and scout regulator both detect contamination. The sentinel family of regulators are manufactured in multiple colors to help identify the model type. You may also upgrade your either vacuum suction regulator to a digital model at little to no cost.
Contaminants can spread to a new patient with in 48 hours. There was never a way to identify contamination until now. The scout medical suction vacuum regulator can identify contamination with a small alert on the lower left-hand side of the vacuum suction regulator. Servicing these suction regulators can be done in minutes and it’s very easy. The unique modular design makes repair and replacement a breeze for any biomedical or central supply department. The unit is made up of six replacable module components. Also, unlike the normal plastic inlet and outlet connections on most units the cast metal plate connections are extremely durable, therefore saving unnecessary repair costs. The case cover is also made of a strong plastic. A smooth surface with rounded corners making cleaning easy. The case also houses the gauge for extra protection. A large control knob and easy to read setting makes vacuum adjustment simple even in emergency situations.
Our pediatric vacuum regulator option restricts flow to 170 inches of mercury to prevent hi vacuum situations in the gauge face is imprinted to identify the regulator for pediatric use.
Medical vacuum suction regulators come in continuous and intermittent models and are ideal for any critical care environment. They can also be used in all patient areas since they are considered combination units. The intermittent module provides a reliable and quiet means of cycling the suction levels on and off during intermittent mode. Adult models regulate to 300 mmHg, Pediatric models to 160 mmHg and Neonatal models to 100 mmHg. ON/OFF timing cycles operate independently and can be adjusted on the back plate of the unit without removing any casing. Pediatric and Neonatal models have positive pressure relief valves for safety. Units come in analog or with digital displays.
If you need any assistance configuring a regulator, simply contact us. One of our expert medical gas customer service representatives will be happy to assist you!
Amico Corporation, was founded in 1974. Their first products on the market were known as their “pipeline division”. The pipeline division was developed in 1990 and consists of all the medical gas equipment they manufacture. Throughout the years the pipeline division has grown exponentially. Amico Corporation’s medical gas pipeline is one of the most sought after brands in the medical gas industry today. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario; Amico supplies distributors around the nation.
Medical Testing Solutions is a turn key source for purchasing, as well as servicing all of Amico corporations medical gas pipeline and source equipment. With over 20 years of experience working with this brand, you can be sure you will receive only the best service and care when seeking solutions for your Amico medical gas equipment. From retrofitting to new installation, Medical Testing Solutions can help.
Call us and have one of our expert in house estimators provide a turn key quotation for you today!
When it comes to preventative maintenance of your Amico source equipment, our certified 6040 medical gas maintenance personnel would be happy to assist you. Medical Testing Solutions is factory trained on all Busch motors as well as all Hitachi oil-less and scroll compressors.
Having problems with a medical gas manifold? Medical Testing Solutions has performed countless rebuilds and retrofits on Amico medical gas manifold’s throughout our career. Leaking medical gas outlet? No problem! Our nationwide medical gas service is second to none. Call us today and schedule your immediate service. A medical gas outlet leak can cost you some serious money. Take a look at this example here.
From shut down to verification; Medical Testing Solutions is a turn key source for all your medical gas service work and needs. Call us today, and one of our certified staff will be happy to assist you!
Medical Testing Solutions and Service
What do you look for in a medical gas service company? All of the above? Medical Testing Solutions is the industry leader in medical gas service. With combined experience of over 20 years in the industry, Medical Testing Solutions continues to provide expert medical gas testing, installation, delivery and consultation services nationwide. In addition MTS also offers medical gas delivery and provides training on all of the ASSE series 6000 certifications courses.
When it comes to choosing a medical gas service provider it is important to note what licenses are held by the provider as well as what insurance coverage is in place. Services such as medical gas verification have no room for mistakes. A medical gas service company shall carry adequate insurance, god forbid an oversight or if a medical gas mix-up should happen.
Licenses including the 6010 medical gas installer, 6020 medical gas inspector, 6030 medical gas verifier and 6040 medical gas maintenance personnel are among the most common medical gas certifications. At MTS the majority of our staff has acquired one if not all of the above listed certifications. We provide continuing education to all our employees free of charge and pride ourselves in doing so.
When it comes to preventative maintenance services this category is often overlooked.
Throughout my career I’ve been asked, “What is the most important medical gas?” My response – “medical vacuum”. I will dive deeper into my reasoning during another blog post… ?
However, earlier this year I posted an article referencing a neglected medical vacuum system. Not only was this system on the brink of collapse, the system was barely providing adequate suction for the patients on the line – 13 inHg. After continually following up with our perspective client on the said system, I later was informed the vacuum system caught fire, damaging not only the system in place but the surrounding area of the facility. The fire was most likely related to clogged or unchanged exhaust filters, causing the system to overheat and catch on fire.
Our preventative maintenance service can be a life-saving solution. Whether your pumps and compressors require annual, bi-annual or quarterly maintenance, our service technicians work diligently to schedule and complete every PM service on our calendar – when it is due.
Contact us today for a free rate quote. Our services are available across the United States. As distributors for all the major manufacturers in the industry, we use only OEM parts to perform our preventative maintenance service.
You can be rest assured you are receiving the highest quality medical gas service at the best available price!
At Medical Testing Solutions we provide only the highest quality med gas fittings and accessories. As distributors for some of the top med gas fittings manufacturers in the industry, you can be sure you are buying the highest quality product at the best available price.
You can be sure you are purchasing the correct product every time by utilizing our live chat option to speak with one of our certified medical gas specialists. We offer a wide range of a medical gas fittings among some of the most popular names, such as Chemetron, Ohmeda, Puritan-Bennett, Schrader, DISS and more. These fittings can be found on our website for purchase with multiple options available. Whether you need a 1/4” or a 5/16” hose barb for medical hose applications, or a DISS (diameter index safety system) hand tight nut a nipple, we have you covered! All fittings are all non-interchangeable and are gas specific. Medical Testing Solutions does offer custom gas fittings, per gas type, which can be curtailed to your need.
You can view our complete list of all medical gas fittings by visiting our medical gas fittings homepage.
In addition to standard NFPA style medical gas fittings we also offer international style fittings. These fittings consist of SIS or Australian designs. ANFOR or French style designs. DIN for German style, BS for British standard fittings and NIST for all European style designs. Most international style fittings are referred to as probes. All of our medical gas fittings and probes are manufactured using medical grade materials and are designed and produced to meet recognized international standard. Standards include ISO 5359, EN 739 and CSA-Z5359.
If you have any questions or need help selecting the appropriate medical gas fittings, please contact us. One of our medical gas experts will be happy to assist you!
The installation of medical gas and vacuum systems shall be made by a qualified competent medical gas technician who has experience in performing such installations. Installers including all personnel who assist during the install of such piping systems shall be certified as well. Medical gas install and vacuum pipe distribution systems must also be certified in accordance with a ASSE 6010 “professional qualifications standard for medical gas systems installers”.
Inspection and testing needs to be performed on all new pipe the gas systems, additions, renovations, temporary installations, or repaired systems to ensure by a documented procedure that all provisions of the NFPA 99 have been adhered to. In addition, all systems that are breached and components that are subject to additions, renovations or replacement shall be inspected and tested following installation. Installer perform test such as the initial blow down, the initial pressure test, the initial cross connection test, the initial piping purge test and others shall be completed by the medical gas installer. Documentation of these tests shall be kept for the verifying procedure to follow a complete medical gas installation.
Medical Testing Solutions employees highly trained licensed ASSE 6010 medical gas installers. Our turn-key new construction and renovation medical gas installation service is provided nationwide. In addition, our dedicated estimating department can issue same day quotations on equipment take-offs and installation services. As distributors for some of the top medical gas manufacturers in the industry including dental manufactures such as Accutron Inc. and Belmed Inc. you can be sure you are receiving the highest quality equipment and price. Be sure you are getting the most professional and expert advice when choosing a medical gas installation firm. Our medical gas consultants will ensure the project plans are compliant with the current NFPA code, and our installation service plumbers are experts with quality workmanship and professionalism.
Please feel free to contact one of our medical gas specialist today for assistance during your next medical gas install.
As one of the top med gas supplier’s in the country, Medical Testing Solutions continues to outshine the competition. From our robust ePecurment platform for ordering, invoicing, billing and more MTS is your solution for medical gas supply. Through our vast network of customers, expanding across the United States, our pricing structure allows us to offer the lowest pricing guaranteed!
Here are a just a few benefits to using our medical gas supply services:
From Washington State to South Florida from New England to San Diego – Medical Testing Solutions has been providing its customers with the highest quality medical gas supply available.
Sometimes, due to the age and amount of use, certain med gas supply systems tend to leak over time. Medical Testing Solutions employees highly trained 6040 med gas maintenance personnel, who can easily identify a medical gas leak and prevent the facility from overspending on it’s medical gas services. When was the last time you had your med gas piping system inspected?
Contact us today for a free rate quote. One of our certified staff will be sure to answer all of your medical gas supply questions. Our corporate office is located in South Florida and we are available Monday through Friday from 8 o’clock in the morning until 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Contact us today to be sure you are receiving the highest quality medical gas service available!
To maximize your investment and to produce repeatable, high-quality function, it is mandatory to institute a thorough medical vacuum pump preventative maintenance program.
Medical Testing Solutions offers preventative maintenance programs that are specifically engineered to enhance the medical vacuum pump performance as well as reliability. All preventative maintenance parts are OEM (original equipment manufacture). Our extensive distribution network allows us to purchase parts well below dealer pricing. Whether it’s changing oil or replacing vanes, Medical Testing Solutions should be your first choice when it comes to servicing your medical vacuum pumps.
As distributors for some of the top manufacturers in the industry Medical Testing Solutions is factory trained on most medical – surgical vacuum suction units. Manufacturers including Busch USA, Becker, Ingersoll Rand and Gardner Denver. Reliability, efficiency and safety are some of our top priorities. Medical Testing Solutions provides a range of services to make sure our customers machines are well-maintained and ensure maximum performance.
Our costs are significantly lower and our expertise is second to none. If you have having issues with a current system or simply want to compare pricing, please contact us today! Our service network expands across the united states.
The NFPA recommends periodic or annual medical gas testing of all positive pressure pipelines as well as waste gas and medical-surgical vacuum suction piping.
Medical Testing Solutions offers the most comprehensive annual medical gas testing in the industry. Our annual medical gas report consists of multiple sections, documenting zone by zone and including summary sheets of each zone and the medical gas equipment in each. We also include a plan of action report for any listed deficiencies or comments regarding the inspection. These reports can be accessed and updated via the cloud. Our testing procedures follow in strict compliance with the NFPA 99.
Medical gas outlets, alarms, zone valves, source source and labeling shall be tested and inspected on an annual basis. These testing procedures ensure to prolong the life and safety of a medical gas system and its components.
Medical gas outlets with a gauge pressure of 50 psi including, but not limited to oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air, and carbon dioxide she’ll deliver 100 SLPM with a pressure drop of not more than 5 psi and static pressure of 50 psi to 55 psi. Medical gas outlets with a gauge pressure of 50 psi including, but not limited to oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air, and carbon dioxide shall deliver 100 SLPM with a pressure drop of not more than 5 PSI and a static pressure of 50 psi to 55 psi. Oxygen and medical air outlet serving critical care areas shall deliver a transient flow of 170 SLPM for three seconds.
Zone valves shall include the proper labeling, function and be easily accessible. Records shall be made listing the rooms or areas controlled by each valve for each gas. The information shall be utilized to assist and verify the proper labeling of the valves.
Area alarm panels are tested for line pressure sensor accuracy. The warning signals from medical gas piping system shall be tested to verify an alarm condition if the pressure in the piping system increases or decreases 20% from the normal operating pressure for positive pressure gases. Vacuum systems shall alarm when the pressure drops below a gauge pressure of 12 inches of mercury (inHg).
A piping particulate test will be conducted on 25% of the zones, and tested at the outlet most remote from the source. Our filters are pre-weighted and measured on site. If any outlet produces more than 1 mg of matter, the outlet will be purged until clean.
Manifolds will be tested for alternation and proper function. Alarm set points will be triggered actuating an alarm at the master panels located within the facility.
Medical vacuum pumps, medical air compressors, and waste anesthesia gas disposal systems will all be cycled and all local alarm signals will be actuated to ensure proper system function. Temperature readings, amperage draw, voltage and a complete electrical control cabinet analysis will be completed and documented.
Master Alarm Panels shall be tested to ensure the proper signals are tied in from the the source equipment. Signals including but not limited to high pressure, low pressure, lag in use, high temperature, dew point high and high carbon monoxide, will be tested for proper function and alarm signal actuation at all master alarm panels. The results of these tests will be documented and accessible within our report.
At Medical Testing Solutions we take great pride in all that we do and the service we provide. We also take great pride in letting our clientele, prospective clients and others in the industry know that at MTS every member of our medical gas testing and inspection staff is a highly trained and certified, A.S.S.E 6020 Medical Gas Inspector, A.S.S.E 6030 Medical Gas Verifier, and ASSE 6040 Medical Gas Systems Maintenance Personnel. All the testing procedures which we conduct follow in strict compliance with current NFPA-99, 2015 Edition, CGA E-10, CGAC-9, TJC 2016 Accreditation Manual, AHCA Guidelines, and all other current applicable standards.
Contact us today for a same day rate quote. We look forward to providing you expert medical gas testing and inspection services for you and your facility.
MTS is an ASSE 6030© Licensed medical gas verification company and providing NFPA code compliant medical gas certification services all across the U.S.
MTS is an ASSE 6020© Licensed medical gas inspection service company, providing annual inspections on medical gas systems throughout the U.S.
MTS provides medical gas systems installations per the NFPA 99 using our certified ASSE 6010© Licensed medical gas plumbers all across the U.S.
MTS is an ASSE 6040© Licensed medical gas maintenance company providing the highest quality medical gas maintenance services all across the U.S.
