The effect of exhaled alcohol on the performance of the Datex Capnomac

Anaesthesia. 1990 Mar;45(3):232-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1990.tb14693.x.

Abstract

We investigated the response of the Datex Capnomac to alcohol in expired air. The greatest response was seen when the Capnomac was set to monitor halothane. There was an approximately linear correlation with blood alcohol levels. This effect is of sufficient magnitude to introduce inaccuracies in the measured concentration of halothane.

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Dioxide / analysis*
  • Ethanol* / blood
  • Halothane / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / instrumentation
  • Spectrophotometry, Infrared / instrumentation*
  • Spectrophotometry, Infrared / standards

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Ethanol
  • Halothane