Capnograph

The capnographs in the lab allow us to measure how much CO2 an anesthetized animal is producing, and how much we should compensate the respiratory rate to keep the end-tidal CO2 steady around 3.5-4.5% (or 26 - 35 mmHg, remember 760mmHg is 1 atmosphere of pressure).

We don't have a manual to our Capnogards but there is a helpful handbook about capnography in general (from Respironics, which at the time of this writing Philips Respironics, which is descended from Novametrics, the company that made our Capnogard and Capnostat system).

Where to find them in lab

We have 6 Capnogard CO2 monitors (labeled UNIT A-F) and 7 sensors (labeled SENSOR A-G). Rig 1 and Rig 2 each have a monitor with a sensor hooked up. The four spare monitors and five spare sensors, along with extra power cords for the monitors can be found on the shelf in Rig 1.

Calibrating the Sensor

  1. Press CAL key. The message “PLACE ON ADAPTER IN ROOM AIR” displays.

  2. Place sensor and adapter away from all CO2 sources, just hold in room air.

  3. Press START key. The “TIME REMAINING” number counts down and main menu displays.

  4. At the end of countdown, place Capnostat on “0” cell. Wait for the countdown.

  5. When “PLACE REFERENCE CELL” message displays, move capnostat to “REF” cell.

  6. When “CALIBRATION VERIFIED” displays, remove capnostat from reference cell and place Adapter on Capnostat.

  7. Press CAL key.

  8. Press START key. Wait for the countdown.

Modifying a neonatal airway adapter for use with ferrets

See the instructions on the VHLab tools site