Quantifying temperature and relative humidity of medical gases used for newborn resuscitation

Abstract

Aim The gases used to stabilise infants during resuscitation are usually unconditioned air and oxygen, often described as 'cold and dry', in comparison with the heated, humidified gases used for ongoing ventilation in neonatal intensive care units. The aim of this study was to determine exactly how 'cold and dry' these unconditioned gases are. Method Multiple measurements of temperature and relative humidity (RH) of piped gases were recorded at different sites, and at different times of day, across The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne. Ambient temperature and relative humidities were also recorded. Results Eighty paired air and oxygen measurements of temperature and RH were recorded. Mean t..