Nitrous Oxide Self Delivery Systems

Is it acceptable to use a Nitrous Oxide self-delivery system like Pro-Nox in a business occupancy for pain relief?

Nitrous Oxide Self Delivery Systems

A nitrous oxide self-delivery system, such as Pro-Nox, is designed to deliver a mix of nitrous oxide and O2 and is approved by FDA for pain relief. The agent is not a form of moderate sedation.  Nitrous Oxide is non-flammable, but does support combustion the same as oxygen. It is no more or less of a fire risk than a tank of oxygen.  While the Pro-Nox system has safeguards to prevent over delivery, there are some safeguards you should consider and document to ensure you are providing safe care and appropriate care in a business occupancy.

Consider the Following Safeguards

Collect the key subject matter experts and document your procedure for the use of this system. Consider the following safeguards:

• Ensure your staff is trained and have documented competencies done by someone competent to review them.
•  Ensure that the equipment is on your medical equipment inventory and is subjected to required preventative maintenance. In addition, ensure there is a process for communicating any FDA warnings or recalls about the equipment to the staff using the equipment.
• Work with facilities to ensure there is a scavenge system that is sufficiently capturing leaked nitrous and exhaled nitrous oxide.
• Ensure there are protocols in place for appropriate patient selection.  Factors might include age, cognitive ability, procedure being done, etc.
• Ensure there are protocols for appropriate patient draping. In addition, prep to prevent puddling of the gas around the patient face.
• Review any MIFU for compliance.

If it is FDA approved for pain relief, has safeguards and is used appropriately, it is acceptable to use this in a business occupancy.  

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We serve more than 350 hospitals, behavioral health care organizations, ambulatory clinics and home care companies nationwide—hospitals ranging from critical access hospitals to the largest health systems. Contact us at (888) PHC-INC1 for more information.