Supplies of soda lime during the COVID-19 pandemic
Friday 17 April 2020
The MHRA issued a medical device alert about the off-label use of anaesthetic machines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The alert draws attention to the use of soda lime for carbon dioxide absorption:
Monitor carbon dioxide levels in the breathing system. If levels are rising, replace the soda lime according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is because most anaesthesia machines have a carbon dioxide absorber which needs to be regularly replaced or replenished whereas ICU ventilators do not.
Many anaesthetic machine manufacturers supply single use soda lime canisters. We are informed that suppliers currently have good inventory of these canisters. Production was increased following the decision to support the off-label use of anaesthetic machines as a contingency during the pandemic.
Further contingency is afforded by the majority of anaesthetic machines being sold with reusable cannisters that can be loose filled with soda lime. Hospitals may have these readily available. Some manufacturers offer calculation sheets to allow estimation of the rate of soda lime consumption. Please refer to individual manufacturers’ guides.