Cross-Sensitivity in Water Vapor in the Engstr$?? EMMA

Abstract
Halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane vapor concentrations (0–3%) were simultaneously measured by a calibrated Engström EMMA and Beckman LB-2 gas analyzer, and were heated and/or humidified by an inline Bird humidifier. Data were treated by regression analysis for lines of best fit. Water vapor produced increasing cross-sensitivity as a function of temperature in all vapors measured by the Engström EMMA but not in the Beckman LB-2. At 38°C cross-sensitivity by water vapor was 0.97, 0.92, and 1.22 volumes percent reading for halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane, respectively. Water vapor cross-sensitivity with the EMMA in the isoflurane selector position was statistically higher (P <0.05) than in the other two positions. We conclude that water vapor cross-sensitivity in the Engström EMMA is in excess of the manufacturer's specifications (0.3 volumes percent at 37°C) and different with respect to the anesthetic gas being measured.

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