Medical Air Verification - USP or not?

  • Wednesday, January 08, 2020 8:10 AM
    Message # 8516342

    There appears to be some conflict in the interpretation of testing for USP Medical Air:

     

    Specifically, under 5.1.3.6.1(2) we are required to assure medical air complies with  USP, which monograph includes Oxides of nitrogen and Sulfur dioxide.


    However, under 5.1.12.4.12.3 and the Table, these two are missing.


    In a verification, how many are in fact including these two?

  • Thursday, January 09, 2020 2:09 PM
    Reply # 8528275 on 8516342

    Mark,


    I agree there is a gap in the NFPA requirements there.  Currently we test only to the NFPA 5.1.12.4.12.3 specifications.  We had, before the 2012 update, included the (3) Nitrogen Dioxide, Nitric Oxide and Sulfur Dioxide in our testing.  The odor threshold of these gases is below the USP 1.0 ppm limit, so we had used the "No Odor Perceived" as a test to say none was detected.  However with the addition of the documentation for our equipment calibrations we decided to simplify and only test to NFPA requirement set forth in table 5.1.12.4.12.3.  We found it difficult to document the calibration of our olfactory nerve.  We still do an odor test which arguably covers it.



  • Friday, January 10, 2020 4:33 AM
    Reply # 8533381 on 8516342

    I just wrote a Q&A regarding this subject...Here it is for your viewing pleasure.


    https://www.medgascerts.com/requirements/medical-air-quality/

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