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Portable Oxygen Analyzer Operation
Teledyne Analytical Instruments 25
It is recommended that the unit be calibrated prior to each use or every 8
hours.
When the sensor is connected to a ventilator circuit, the alternating
“breathing” pressure cycles generated by the ventilator will be sensed as
an increase in the oxygen percentage (especially if the sensor is fast
enough to sense the changes, as is the R17MED). In reality, the
percentage of oxygen is not changing; it is the total pressure that is
increasing producing a corresponding increase in the partial pressure of
oxygen. A hundred centimeter of water pressure pulse will produce a
0.11 atmosphere, or an 11% increase in the total and therefore partial
pressure of oxygen. Assuming that the sensor is fast enough to track this
pressure pulse, an un-pressurized reading of 50% oxygen will increase
to 55.3% if the sensor is subjected to a pressure cycle of 100cm H
2
O.
The reading will rise proportionally less for smaller pressures.
2.3.4 Discrepancy in Readings
The AX300-I instrument should be used to measure the oxygen
concentration exiting another oxygen mixing device or life support
system (i.e., a blender, incubator or anesthesia machine). The
information obtained from the AX300-I should never be used to adjust a
life-support system, but should only be used as an indication that the life
support system or device may require service and/or calibration.
When a discrepancy in oxygen readings is detected, the oxygen
analyzers readings should be verified by checking the AX300-I battery
condition and calibration using 100% oxygen. If the analyzer can be
calibrated, the unit can be assumed to be in good working order and
capable of providing readings to specification. If, after reinstalling the
unit, the discrepancy in oxygen readings persists, the problem is most
likely elsewhere (i.e., flow blockage, primary device error, etc.). Further
investigation should be made until the discrepancy in readings is
resolved. The troubleshooting section of this manual may provide
additional assistance in locating the problem.
Note: The MSDS on this material is available upon request
through the Teledyne Environmental, Health and Safety
Coordinator. Contact at (626) 934-1592
2.3.5 Anesthetic Gases
2.3.5.1 GASES THAT INDUCE READING ERROR
When using the R17MED sensor in the presence of anesthetic gases
such as Halothane, the oxygen reading may fall (see Table below). The