"Over 20 Years of Professional Medical Cable Manufacturer in china"

video_img

NEWS

What is a Capnograph?

SHARE:

A capnograph is a critical medical device primarily used to assess respiratory health. It measures the concentration of CO₂ in exhaled breath and is commonly referred to as an end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO2) monitor. This device provides real-time measurements along with graphical waveform displays (capnograms), offering valuable insights into a patient’s ventilatory status.

How Does Capnography Work?

Here’s how it works in the body: oxygen enters the bloodstream through the lungs and supports the body’s metabolic processes. As a byproduct of metabolism, carbon dioxide is produced, transported back to the lungs, and then exhaled. Measuring the amount of CO₂ in exhaled air provides important information about a patient’s respiratory and metabolic function.

What is a Capnograph?

How a Capnograph Measures CO2

A capnograph monitor measures exhaled breath by displaying the partial pressure of CO₂ in waveform format on an x- and y-axis grid. It displays both waveforms and numerical measurements. A normal end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂) reading typically ranges from 30 to 40 mmHg. If a patient’s EtCO2 falls below 30 mmHg, it may indicate issues such as endotracheal tube malfunction or other medical complications that affect oxygen intake.

Normal (EtCO₂) _  30 to 40 mmHg

Two Primary Methods for Exhaled Gas Measurement

Mainstream EtCO2 Monitoring

In this method, an airway adapter with an integrated sampling chamber is placed directly in the airway between the breathing circuit and the endotracheal tube.

Sidestream EtCO2Monitoring

The sensor is located within the main unit, away from the airway. A small pump continuously aspirates exhaled gas samples from the patient through a sampling line to the main unit. The sampling line can be connected to a T-piece at the endotracheal tube, an anesthesia mask adapter, or directly to the nasal cavity via a sampling nasal cannula with nasal adapters.

mainsreamvssidestream

There are also two main types of monitors.

One is a portable dedicated EtCO₂ capnograph, which focuses solely on this measurement.

Micro Capnometer (3)

The other is an EtCO₂ module integrated into a multiparameter monitor, which can measure multiple patient parameters at once. Bedside monitors, operating room equipment, and EMS defibrillators often include EtCO₂ measurement capabilities.

ETCO2-2

What are the Clinical Applications of Capnograph?

  • Emergency Response: When a patient is experiencing respiratory arrest or cardiac arrest, EtCO2 monitoring helps medical staff quickly assess the patient’s respiratory status.
  • Continuous Monitoring: For critically ill patients at risk of sudden respiratory deterioration, continuous end-tidal CO₂ monitoring provides real-time data to detect and respond to changes promptly.
  • Sedation Procedure: Whether it’s minor or major surgery, when a patient is sedated, EtCO2 monitoring ensures that the patient maintains adequate ventilation throughout the procedure.
  • Pulmonary Function Assessment: For patients with chronic conditions like sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), capnographs assist in evaluating their lung function.

 

Why is EtCO₂ Monitoring Considered a Standard of Care?

Capnography is now widely recognized as a best standard of care in many clinical settings. Leading medical organizations and regulatory bodies—such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)—have incorporated capnography into their clinical guidelines and recommendations. In most cases, it is considered an essential component of patient monitoring and respiratory care.

AAAAPSF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Plastic Surgery Facilities, Inc.)2003
“ANESTHESIA MONITORING – applicable to all anesthesia…Ventilation as noted by:…Monitoring of end tidal expired CO2 including volume,Capnography/Capnometry, or mass spectroscopy”
AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Health care providers should confirm endotracheal tube placement immediately after intubation, during transport and whenever the patient is moved. Exhaled CO2 should be monitored in patients withan endotracheal tube both in the pre-hospital and hospital settings, as well as during all transport, by using a colorimetric detector or capnography
AHA (American Heart Association) 2010

American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) of Pediatric and Neonatal Patients: Neonatal Resuscitation Guidelines
Part 8: Adult Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
8.1: Adjuncts for Airway Control and Ventilation
Advanced Airways – Endotracheal Intubation Continuous waveform capnography is recommended in addition to clinical assessment as the most reliable method of confirming and monitoring correct placement of an endotracheal tube (Class I, LOE A). Providers should observe a persistent capnographic waveform with ventilation to confirm and monitor endotracheal tube placement in the field, in the transport vehicle, on arrival at the hospital, and after any patient transfer to reduce the risk of unrecognized tube misplacement or displacement. Effective ventilation through a supraglottic airway device should result in a capnograph waveform during CPR and after ROSC (S733).

EtCO2 Monitoring vs SpO2 Monitoring

Compared to pulse oximetry (SpO₂), EtCO2 monitoring offers more distinct advantages. Because EtCO₂ provides real-time insight into alveolar ventilation, it responds more rapidly to changes in respiratory status. In cases of respiratory compromise, EtCO₂ levels fluctuate almost immediately, whereas drops in SpO₂ may lag by several seconds to minutes. Continuous EtCO2 monitoring enables clinicians to detect respiratory deterioration earlier, offering critical lead time for timely intervention before oxygen saturation declines.

EtCO2 Monitoring

EtCO2  monitoring provides real-time evaluation of respiratory gas exchange and alveolar ventilation. EtCO2 levels respond rapidly to respiratory abnormalities and are not significantly influenced by supplemental oxygen. As a non-invasive monitoring modality, EtCO2 is widely employed in various clinical environments.

Pulse Oximetry Monitoring

Pulse oximetry (SpO₂) monitoring utilizes a non-invasive finger sensor to measure blood oxygen saturation levels, enabling effective detection of hypoxemia. This technique is user-friendly and well-suited for continuous bedside monitoring of non-critically ill patients.

Clinical Application SpO₂ EtCO2
Mechanical Ventilator Esophageal intubation of endotracheal tube Slow Rapid
Bronchial intubation of endotracheal tube Slow Rapid
Respiratory arrest or loose connection Slow Rapid
Hypoventilation x Rapid
Hyperventilation x Rapid
Decreased oxygen flow rate Rapid Slow
Anesthesia Machine Soda lime exhaustion/rebreathing Slow Rapid
Patient Low inspired oxygen Rapid Slow
Intrapulmonary shunt Rapid Slow
Pulmonary embolism x Rapid
Malignant hyperthermia Rapid Rapid
Circulatory arrest Rapid Rapid

 

How to Choose CO₂ Accessories and Consumables?

North America currently dominates the market, accounting for about 40% of global revenue, while the Asia-Pacific region is expected to register the fastest growth, with a forecasted CAGR of 8.3% during the same period. Leading global patient monitor manufacturers—such as Philips (Respironics), Medtronic (Oridion), Masimo, and Mindray—are continuously innovating in EtCO2 technology to meet the evolving needs of anesthesia, critical care, and emergency medicine.

To meet clinical requirements and improve workflow efficiency for medical staff, MedLinket focuses on developing and producing high-quality consumables, such as sampling lines, airway adapters, and water traps. The company is dedicated to providing healthcare facilities with reliable consumable solutions for both mainstream and sidestream monitoring, which are compatible with many leading patient monitor brands, contributing to the development of the respiratory monitoring field.

Mainstream etco2 sensors and airway adapters are the most common accessories and consumables for mainstream monitoring.

mainsream-sensors

For sidestream monitoring,to consider include,sidestream sensors,and water traps,CO2 Sampling line,depending on your setup and maintenance needs.

Water Trap Series

OEM Manufacturer & Models

Ref Picture

OEM #

Order Code

Descriptions

Compatible Mindray (China)
For BeneView, iPM, iMEC, PM, MEC-2000 series monitors, PM-9000/7000/6000 series, BeneHeart defibrillator 115-043022-00
(9200-10-10530)
RE-WT001A Dryline water trap, Adult/Pediatirc for dual-slot module, 10pcs/box
RE-WT001N 115-043023-00
(9200-10-10574)
RE-WT001N Dryline water trap, Neonatal for dual-slot module, 10pcs/box
For BeneVision, BeneView series monitors RE-WT002A 115-043024-00
(100-000080-00)
RE-WT002A Dryline II water trap, Adult/Pediatirc for single-slot module, 10pcs/box
RE-WT002N 115-043025-00
(100-000081-00)
RE-WT002N Dryline II water trap, Neonatal for single-slot module, 10pcs/box
Compatible GE
GE Solar Sidestream EtCO₂ Module, GE MGA-1100 Mass Spectrometer GE Advantage System, EtCO₂ Sampling Systems CA20-013 402668-008 CA20-013 Single patient use 0.8 micron Fitter, standard Luer Lock, 20pcs/box
GE Healthcare gventilator, monitor, anesthesia machine with E-miniC gas module CA20-053 8002174 CA20-053 Internal Container volume is > 5.5mL, 25pcs/box
Compatible Drager
Compatible Drager Babytherm 8004/8010 Babylog VN500 ventilator WL-01 6872130 WL-01 Single patient use Waterlock, 10pcs/box
Compatible Philips
Compatible Module:Philips – IntelliVue G5 CA20-008 M1657B / 989803110871 CA20-008 Philips water trap, 15pcs/box
Compatible Philips CA20-009 CA20-009 Philips water trap Rack
Compatible Module:Philips – IntelliVue G7ᵐ WL-01 989803191081 WL-01 Single patient use Waterlock, 10pcs/box

 

CO2 Sampling line

Patient connector

Patient connector picture

Instrument interface

Instrument interface picture

Luer Plug Luer plug
T-type sampling line Philips(Respironics) plug
L-type sampling line Medtronic(Oridion) plug
Nasal sampling line Masimo plug
Nasal/Oral sampling line /
/

Post time: Jun-03-2025

faq

  • What is EtCO₂?

    MORE

NOTE:

1. The products are neither manufactured nor authorized by the original equipment manufacturer. Compatibility is based on publicly available technical specifications and may vary depending on the equipment model and configuration. Users are advised to verify compatibility independently. For a list of compatible equipment, please contact our customer service team.
2. The website may reference third-party companies and brands that are not affiliated with us in any way. Product images are for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual items (e.g., differences in connector appearance or color). In the event of any discrepancies, the actual product shall prevail.