Time-weighted averaging for nitrous oxide: an automated method.

An automated method of obtaining a time-weighted average of nitrous oxide levels in an operating room was compared with a standard method. The automated method consisted of electronic integration of the voltage output of a nitrous oxide analyzer using a multimeter-microprocessor. The standard method utilized a bag and pump to collect a room air sample, which was subsequently analyzed with a nitrous oxide analyzer. There was a high degree of correlation (r = 0.99) between the two methods. It is concluded that the automated method is an accurate alternative and offers institutions a simple, cost-effective method of monitoring and documenting results of pollution control programs in anesthetizing locations.