BACKGROUND

In both human and veterinary medicine, it is recommended that an anesthetic machine checkout procedure (preuse check) be performed daily, with some items tested before each case, to confirm safe function and the check results recorded.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate anesthetic machines in private veterinary clinics in Alberta (Canada) using a standardized checkout procedure.

ANIMALS AND PROCEDURES

One-hundred consecutive anesthetic machines were assessed. For each item of the checkout procedure, a "pass," "fail," or "not applicable" score was awarded. "Not applicable" indicated an item that could not be evaluated.

RESULTS

Few machines (10%) evaluated had a secondary oxygen supply, no machines had an oxygen supply pressure alarm, and leaks were identified in 31 and 17% of rebreathing and non-rebreathing systems, respectively. Thirty-nine percent of machines did not have a high-pressure circuit alarm, 86% of machines were attached to an active scavenging system, although it was improperly connected in 56% of cases, and only 2% of machines were accompanied by a checkout log.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

There was widespread variation in anesthetic machine standards and function, highlighting the value of performing a regular machine checkout procedure in creating a foundation for safe anesthetic practice.