2 Signs It's Time to Replace the Oxygen Outlets in Outpatient Procedure Rooms

If you manage a medical office that performs outpatient procedures, you may have an in-wall oxygen system available that delivers the gas to patients via outlets. If these outlets become damaged, their failure can result in the recipient of the oxygen not receiving the ordered amount.

To ensure that the outlets stay in working condition, keep an eye out for the following signs that it may be time to replace the outlets in your office's outpatient procedure rooms.

1.  The Outlet Metal Components Have Rust on Them

One sign that it may be time to consider replacing the oxygen gas outlets is when you see any amount of rust on their metal components. Especially if the oxygen is mixed with mist, the moisture to which the outlets are exposed can cause oxidation.

If the metal is starting to break down because of this oxidation, it will eventually lead to holes in the outlets. These holes will cause oxygen to leak outside of the closed system created by the outlet and the tubing, meaning that the patient will only receive a percentage of the oxygen prescribed by the doctor.

Also, if the rust makes its way through the metal, it could flake off and travel into the tubing. This could cause clogging of the tubing as well as present a slight chance that the patient could inhale small particles of the corroded metal.

2.  Valve Is Loose or Becomes Difficult to Turn Off and On

Another sign for which you should be on the lookout when trying to determine whether you need to replace the oxygen outlets is when the valve becomes either too tight or too loose. Normally, the handle should easily turn on the oxygen without wiggling in your hand or needing more than slight pressure. However, if the valve handle has become loose, there is a good chance that it is no longer fully closing when you turn it off. This will cause oxygen to leak out around the valve stem and waste the gas.

If the handle becomes difficult to turn off and on, requiring increased pressure to move, you may not be opening up the valve to the correct position. This could also be a sign that the interior has rusted.

If your oxygen outlets are showing signs of corrosion and/or the valve is no longer working properly, it is probably time to see about having them replaced. Contact a medical gas outlet supply business near you to discuss finding the right model for your current oxygen system.