How often should you have your vaporizer serviced?

• You should have your vaporizer inspected annually. 
• When your vaporizer is inspected, the Technician should have an anesthetic agent analyzer, and you should be provided with an accuracy report of the vaporizer.
• The readings of your vaporizer only show the output accuracy at the time of the service, it is not a calibration! 
• It is impossible to perform a vaporizer calibration while on site and if you have been advised otherwise, you are being misled.

Why can’t a vaporizer be calibrated on site?

• Vaporizers contain a thermostat to regulate the output which will compensate for variations in temperature.
• In order to calibrate the thermostat on a vaporizer, you must complete the process in a temperature-controlled environment. Calibration adjustments require precise temperatures, and then must be rechecked multiple times after every calibration adjustment. The calibration requires several additional, identical readings before the vaporizer calibration is valid.

Vaporizer Tips:

• Periodically check that the vaporizer is not loosely mounted on the anesthesia machine.
• Keep the vaporizer and funnel fill area clear of dust and soda lime debris; especially when filling with anesthetic agent.
• When filling, always check the drain is snug to prevent a slow leak of agent.
• Do not cross contaminate anesthetic agent; only fill with agent that the vaporizer is calibrated for.
• If storing, do not store them on their side, as it can possibly impact the output and result in calibration being required.
• When handling, we do not recommend holding your vaporizer by the dial, as this can cause damage internally and result in calibration being required due to the impact on the output concentration.

Your vaporizer may not require calibration annually, but having it serviced and the output checked allows you the opportunity to address any issues before they become major problems and impact the safety of your staff and patients.