Ideas That Work: Cleaner Capnography With More Stability

CAPNOGRAPHY Instead of sticking the end-tidal CO₂ sampling line under the mask (below), cut a small hole in the most anterior part of the facemask and insert the tube through it, as illustrated in the top photo.

Cleaner Capnography With More Stability

A key to obtaining an accurate end-tidal CO₂ measurement and quality waveforms with any capnograph is the placement of the sampling line. Here's a quick do-it-yourself idea to obtain more reliable capnography readings. You'll also save on supply costs because you can reuse the sampling line. Instead of sticking the end of the tubing under the mask near the patient's mouth or nose (as seen in the bottom photo), where it's likely to touch the patient and be soiled by saliva, keep a pair of scissors handy and cut an opening in the face mask just above the oxygen delivery tubing. As seen in the top photo, it should be a small snip at the most anterior part of the mask, about twice the width of the tubing end piece. Then insert the tube and gently pull it taut. Along with providing more reliable readings, the tube will stay away from the patient's nose and mouth, which will let you re-use it without worrying about contamination.

Melissa Cady, DO
Westlake Anesthesia Group
Austin, Texas
[email protected]