A new colorimetric breath indicator (Colibri). A comparison of the performance of two carbon dioxide indicators.

Colorimetric carbon dioxide indicators are designed for the verification of satisfactory tracheal tube placement. However, widespread use of the device in this and other applications is hampered by limitations in its performance characteristics. A new colorimetric breath indicator (Colibri) has been developed that overcomes major shortcomings of current technology. A simple method is described that can be used to evaluate the properties of colorimetric carbon dioxide indicators in a quantitative way.