Overview
Carbon dioxide is widely used in insufflation, anesthesia, pH control, and cell incubation. The EP monograph for CO₂ mandates rigorous testing for acidity, moisture, and toxic contaminants to ensure both efficacy and patient safety.
EP Monograph Requirements
- Purity: Typically ≥99.5%
- Impurities: Limits on water vapor, acidity/alkalinity (via titration), and toxic gases like CO, NOx, and hydrocarbons.
- Tests: Identity via IR spectrophotometry; CO and NOx by NDIR and chemiluminescence; acidity via wet chemistry titration.
Testing Techniques
- Infrared spectroscopy (CO₂ identity and quantitation)
- Chemiluminescence (NO, NO₂)
- NDIR analysis (CO)
- Electrolytic hygrometer (moisture)
- Wet chemistry (pH, acidity/alkalinity)
Applications
- Laparoscopic surgery
- pH regulation in bioprocesses
- Beverage and food-grade systems
- Cell and microbial culture control
