Replacement of absorber
During use, a pink (white-to-pink grade) or
violet (white-to-violet grade) color will develop
and successively deepen in intensity,
indicating exhaustion of the soda lime. A
slowly increasing inspiratory carbon dioxide
concentration will usually begin to occur when
the color change has penetrated to around
half the depth of the absorber canister.
Color changes of the soda lime can however
be misleading, and suitable monitoring of
inspired carbon dioxide is required to assess
when to replace absorber.
The change in CO
2
soda lime color may be
reversed, i.e. loss of color may indicate
exhaustion.
If the CO
2
absorber is not used for prolonged
periods of time, the color indicating soda lime
exhaustion may fade due to drying out.
The lifetime will depend not only on the original
soda lime performance, but also on the
amount of CO
2
absorbed.
Spent soda lime may still contain some
absorbed or entrained anesthesia agent which
needs to be assessed and managed according
to hospital routines.
As a rough guide, the absorber will become
saturated with CO
2
after about 8 hours of
active ventilatory usage (low flow anesthesia).
If the CO
2
absorber is dropped and absorbent
released, avoid inhaling the dust and avoid
skin and eye contact. Sweep or vacuum up
the absorbent.
Being alkaline in nature, soda lime should not
be allowed to come into contact with sensitive
skin, particularly with the eyes or mucous
membranes. If contact is made, wash
thoroughly with clean water and, where
necessary, seek medical attention.
Replace the absorber immediately:
• If you suspect the soda lime has dried out
• If there is a sharp temperature increase
during the washing-in phase
• If there is an unusual delay in the increase
in inspired agent concentration.
CAUTION: If damage is suspected, do not
use the absorber.
FLOW-i 4.2, User's Manual
127
| Breathing system |
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