Overview
Medical air is a precisely mixed blend of oxygen and nitrogen used in respiration, ventilation, and surgical environments. EP standards define both natural and synthetic grades with specific purity and contamination thresholds.
EP Monograph Requirements
- Grades:
- Medicinal Air (natural)
- Synthetic Medicinal Air (mixed from purified O₂ and N₂)
- Impurities: CO, CO₂, SO₂, NOx, moisture, oil vapor, particulates, microbial contamination
- Tests: Gas chromatography, electrochemical sensors, and microbial air sampling.
Testing Techniques
- Electrochemical cells (CO, O₂)
- Chemiluminescence (NO/NO₂)
- UV fluorescence (SO₂)
- Gravimetric/optical methods (particulates)
- Electrolytic hygrometer (moisture)
Applications
- Mechanical ventilation
- Operating room supply
- Humidified respiratory therapy
- Device calibration and function testing
