While our team at Pure-Line Plumbing has worked on a wide variety of plumbing projects in our more than 50 years in the industry, these days, we specialize in plumbing for medical facilities. Hospitals, clinics, and other facilities need plumbing infrastructure not just for water, but also for a variety of gases, such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, and a mixture known as medical air. In this article, our team will go over some key information you need to know about medical air and how it is used.
What is Medical Air?
The term “medical air” refers to a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and traces of other gases. It is similar in composition to the air in our atmosphere, but it has been purified to ensure there are no dangerous microbes that could infect a patient. This air is then used to provide respiratory support to patients suffering from lung conditions, as well as deliver air to patients on ventilators. It is also used during any procedure that requires anesthesia to ensure the patient gets plenty of air during their surgery.
How is Medical Air Made?
Unlike other medical gases that typically come in pressurized canisters (like oxygen), medical air can be made on site. Hospitals and other facilities that require medical air are equipped with a system designed to pull in outside air, compress it, purify it of contaminants, and remove all humidity from it, rendering it safe to use for medical purposes.