What is the difference between low-pressure and high-pressure medical gas systems?

Low-pressure and high-pressure medical gas systems serve distinct purposes within a healthcare environment, which is why understanding their differences is essential.

Low-pressure systems are designed primarily for the delivery of medical gases to patients and medical equipment. They operate at much lower pressures, typically around 50 psi, allowing for a safe and controlled flow of gases, such as oxygen or air, directly to a medical device or a patient. This is crucial because delivering gases at low pressure minimizes the risk of injury or accidents associated with high-pressure gas release. These systems ensure that the gases are administered effectively while maintaining patient safety.

In contrast, high-pressure systems, which typically operate at pressures around 2000 psi or higher, are generally used for the storage and transportation of gases in cylinders before they are delivered to the low-pressure systems for patient administration. They are not meant for direct delivery to patients but rather serve to supply the necessary gases to the low-pressure systems when needed.

Understanding the application of these systems helps ensure that healthcare facilities maintain safety, effectiveness, and compliance with standards in the administration of medical gases.