Physio-Control LIFEPAK 15 - Manual (Page 90)

4-46
LIFEPAK 15 Monitor/Defibrillator Operating Instructions
Monitoring ETCO2
How Capnography Works
An EtCO
2
sensor continuously monitors carbon dioxide (CO
2
) that is inspired and exhaled by the
patient. The sensor employs Microstream non-dispersive infrared (IR) spectroscopy to measure the
concentration of CO
2
molecules that absorb infrared light.
The CO
2
FilterLine system delivers a sample of the exhaled gases directly from the patient into the
LIFEPAK 15 monitor for CO
2
measurement. The low sampling flow rate (50 ml/min) reduces liquid
and secretion accumulation and prevents obstruction, which maintains the shape of the CO
2
waveform.
The CO
2
sensor captures a micro sample (15 microliters). This extremely small volume allows for
fast rise time and accurate CO
2
readings, even at high respiration rates.
The Microbeam IR source illuminates the sample cell and the reference cell. This proprietary IR
light source generates only the specific wavelengths characteristic of the CO
2
absorption spectrum.
Therefore, no compensations are required when concentrations of O
2
, anesthetic agent, or water
vapor are present in the exhaled breath.
INACCURATE READINGS HAZARDS
POSSIBLE INACCURATE PATIENT ASSESSMENT
The EtCO
2
monitor is intended only as an adjunct in patient assessment and is not to
be used as a diagnostic apnea monitor. An apnea message appears if a valid breath
has not been detected for 30 seconds and indicates the time elapsed since the last
valid breath. It must be used in conjunction with clinical signs and symptoms.
POSSIBLE INACCURATE CO2 READINGS
Using other manufacturers’ CO
2
accessories may cause the device to perform
improperly and invalidate the safety agency certifications. Use only the accessories
that are specified in these operating instructions.
HEALTH HAZARDS
POSSIBLE STRANGULATION
Carefully route the patient tubing (FilterLine) to reduce the possibility of patient
entanglement or strangulation.
INFECTION HAZARD
Do not reuse, sterilize, or clean Microstream ® CO
2
accessories as they are designed for
single-patient one-time use.
WARNINGS (CONTINUED)