title: Accuracy of portable quantitative capnometers and capnographs under prehospital conditions.
abstract: This study was designed to assess the pCO(2) accuracy of portable mainstream (Tidal Wave, Novametrix; Propaq 106, Protocol) and sidestream capnometers (Capnocheck 8200, BCI; Capnocount mini, Weinmann; NPB-75, Nellcor Puritan Bennett; SC-210, Pryon) with respect to international standards and preclinical emergency conditions. Measurements were performed under temperature conditions of +22 degrees C and -20 degrees C using dry gas mixtures with different CO(2) concentrations (STPD) and in patients ventilated with pure oxygen (BTPS). Accuracy presented to be between +1% (Capnocheck) and +12% (Propaq) (STPD) and between -0.4% (Capnocheck) and +11% (Tidal Wave) (BTPS). The measurements were affected by low ambient temperature only in the NPB-75 (+15%). Our results indicate that portable quantitative capnometers are able to fulfill accuracy requirements as requested by international standards but can be affected by changing ambient temperatures.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Anaesthesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany. anabie@med-rz.uni-sb.de
authors.forename: Andreas E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Biedler
authors.forename: Wolfram
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wilhelm
authors.forename: Sascha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kreuer
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Soltesz
authors.forename: Friedhelm
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bach
authors.forename: Friedrich O
authors.initials: FO
authors.lastname: Mertzlufft
authors.forename: Gerd P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Molter
mesh_terms: D019296:Capnography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric