The suction test for oesophageal placement of the endotracheal tube using an oesophageal detector device: caution is required with inexperienced operators.
A modified oesophageal detector device made from simple universally available components was tested in a cadaver model using relatively inexperienced nurse volunteers as operators. In all but two of 71 tests the correct location of an endotracheal tube was identified in under 10 s. The errors were the result of inadequate attention to seating the device in the endotracheal tube connector. The positive predictive value for oesophageal placement was 100%. It is recommended that the device be more widely used, especially in ambulances and emergency departments, but that personnel should be specifically trained in its use.
Knottenbelt
J D
JD
Trauma Unit, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
D002102:Cadaver; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods