🔬 Medical Oxygen Types
- Medical Grade Oxygen (USP Oxygen): 99%+ pure oxygen approved for human use; free from contaminants.
- Compressed Oxygen Gas: Stored in cylinders under high pressure (e.g., E-cylinder, H-cylinder).
- Liquid Medical Oxygen (LOX): Cooled and liquefied oxygen, stored in insulated tanks; used in hospitals.
- Oxygen Concentrator: A machine that extracts oxygen from ambient air and concentrates it (typically 90–95%).
🩺 Oxygen Delivery Devices
- Nasal Cannula: Thin tubing placed in nostrils; delivers low-flow oxygen (1–6 L/min).
- Simple Face Mask: Covers nose and mouth; delivers 5–10 L/min.
- Non-Rebreather Mask (NRB): High-concentration oxygen mask with reservoir bag; up to 100% oxygen.
- Venturi Mask: Delivers precise oxygen concentration (24%–50%); used in COPD.
- High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC): Delivers heated, humidified oxygen at high flow rates.
- CPAP / BiPAP: Positive airway pressure devices that also deliver oxygen.
⚙️ Key Components and Accessories
- Flowmeter: Controls and displays the flow rate of oxygen (measured in liters per minute).
- Regulator: Reduces cylinder pressure and allows flow control.
- Humidifier Bottle: Adds moisture to oxygen, preventing drying of mucous membranes.
- Pressure Gauge: Measures cylinder pressure to determine remaining oxygen.
- Check Valves & Outlets: Prevent backflow and enable safe connections to delivery systems.
🧯 Cylinder Labeling and Safety TRAINING
- Color Code (U.S.): Green = Oxygen (international: white).
- Oxygen Cylinder Sizes: A, B, D, E, G, H, M (E and H common in healthcare).
- PSI Ratings: Full oxygen cylinder is ~2,000–2,200 PSI.
- Medical Gas Alarm Panel: Monitors and alerts for pressure drops or supply issues.
- Protocol Set Up, Full Training and Continueing Education Programs.
