Medical gas serves a range of purposes in hospitals and doctors’ offices. Senior care facilities, veterinarians, dentists, surgeons, and medical providers of all types have compressed gases for patient support. In this guide, learn more about the types of materials health care professionals use and how they benefit their patients.

Which Compressed Gases Have Medical Uses?

1. Oxygen, USP

Medical oxygen approved by the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) is typically used for anesthetic techniques. It can aid resuscitation, provide life support for artificially ventilated patients, and help with cardiovascular stability.

It can also restore tissue oxygen for people with conditions like shock, carbon monoxide poisoning, trauma, cardiac arrest, and hemorrhaging.

2. Nitrous Oxide, USP

Medical nitrous oxide is commonly called laughing gas. It has been used as a dental analgesic before surgeries for many years. It is also commonly used for pain management during childbirth or end-of-life care. It affects the pain receptors in the central nervous system and causes drowsiness.

3. Nitrogen

Medical liquid nitrogen is hundreds of degrees below freezing, and freezes soft tissue immediately upon contact. It is used for cryosurgery to remove skin lesions and even some cancers.

It is also used for hospital storage to prevent the oxidation of tissues, cells, and blood for transplants and transfusions.

4. Medical Carbon Dioxide, USP

Carbon dioxide is used to blow medical gas for minimally invasive surgeries, such as endoscopy or cryotherapy.

It can also be used with anesthetics to stimulate the respiratory system.

5. Lung Diffusion Gases

Lung diffusion gases are made with different percentages of carbon monoxide, methane, oxygen, and nitrogen.

This combination of gases is used during testing to measure how well the lungs exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen for breathing. Patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may undergo this type of exam.

6. Blood Gas Mixtures

This is typically a combination of carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

These gases are used in medical analysis to measure the pH, oxygen pressure (pO2), carbon dioxide pressure (pCO2) of the blood. The purpose of these tests is to diagnose respiratory conditions and support surgical procedures.

 

Wayne Oxygen & Welding Supply Co. sells compressed gases for medical purposes in the areas of Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and Waynesboro, VA. They have supplied clients in the region with high-quality gases since 1959, carrying products from Lincoln Electric Company® and Miller Electric Manufacturing®. Learn more on their website about which medical supplies they offer or call (540) 942-4145 to discuss your needs.