Medical gas supply

Medical gas supply (pronunciation: /ˈmɛdɪkəl gæs səˈplaɪ/) refers to the systems and methods used to administer and distribute gases for medical use in healthcare facilities.

Etymology

The term "medical gas supply" is derived from the English words "medical", referring to anything related to the practice of medicine, "gas", a state of matter that is neither a solid nor a liquid, and "supply", meaning to provide or equip.

Definition

Medical gas supply involves the provision of gases such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide that are used for various medical purposes. These gases are typically stored in high-pressure cylinders and are distributed throughout a healthcare facility via a complex system of pipes and valves.

Types of Medical Gases

There are several types of medical gases used in healthcare facilities. These include:

Oxygen: Used to provide life support to patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own.
Nitrous Oxide: Often used as an anesthetic during surgical procedures.
Medical Air: Used to power medical devices and to provide clean, dry air for patients to breathe.
Nitrogen: Used in cryosurgery and to power surgical tools.
Carbon Dioxide: Used in respiratory therapies and during certain surgical procedures.