Checking the precision of capnometers

Abstract

Capnometry, i.e. measurement of CO2 concentration (cCO2, vol%) and calculation of the respective CO2 partial pressure (pCO2, mmHg), is simple to apply, but the user must understand its principles of operation in order to appreciate its power and its limitations. However, sidestream capnometers use to dry the humidified respired gas (37 degrees C, pH2O 47 mmHg) for methodological reasons, thus increasing pCO2 by ca. 6% which, in turn, requires correction. With infrared spectroscopy, overestimation of pCO2 in presence of N2O and underreporting of pCO2 in presence of O2 also require to be corrected. These require either knowledge of the respective gas concentrations (mainstream analyzers) or adequate (i.e. correct) measurement (some sidestream capnometers). Changes in barometric pressure (pB) must be also either known or be measured automatically. Evaluation of the precision of capnometers must therefore focus on, (1) the possible pH2O correction, (2) the possible effects exercised by O2 and N2O, and (3) the possible dependence on barometric pressure. Two mainstream (Capnolog D/Dräger; Sirecust 404-1/Siemens) and eight sidestream capnometers (AGM 1304/Brüel & Kjaer; SARAcap A. G. and SARA-trans/Biomedical Systems/Hellige; Capnomac and Normocap 200/Datex/Hoyer; CO2 Monitor/Dräger; Nellcor N-1000/Nellcor/Dräger; Multinex/Datascope) were investigated. Dry and humidified gases (37 degrees C) of defined composition in respect of CO2, O2, N2, N2O, and H2O, were used for evaluation. The results prove reproducibility of ca. =/- 1 mmHg for the 10 capnometers within the 30-50 mmHg pCO2 range.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)