Anesthesia Machine Pre-Use Check

Pre-use inspection template for anesthesia machines covering the high-pressure system, low-pressure system, breathing circuit, and gas analyzer checks.

Machine Identification and Pre-Use Setup

• Anesthesia machine identified and assigned to the correct procedure room
  Confirm the machine is the intended unit for the case and is positioned for immediate use.
• Power connected and machine passes startup self-test
  Verify the unit powers on normally and any built-in self-check completes without unresolved alarms or errors.
• Vaporizers secured and agent level within usable range
  Confirm vaporizers are locked in place, correctly filled if applicable, and set according to local policy.

High-Pressure System

• Oxygen supply cylinder present, secured, and full enough for emergency use
  Check cylinder presence, secure mounting, and pressure adequate for backup oxygen supply.
• Cylinder pressure gauge indicates acceptable pressure
  Record the cylinder pressure reading and confirm it meets local minimum backup requirements.
• Pipeline gas hoses connected to correct wall outlets and secure
  Verify oxygen, nitrous oxide, and air hoses are connected to the correct outlets and are not loose, damaged, or crossed.
• Pipeline pressure indicators within normal operating range
  Confirm pipeline supply pressures are normal and no low-supply alarms are present.

Low-Pressure System

• Flow control knobs move smoothly and return to closed position
  Check each flow control knob for smooth operation and proper closure.
• Flowmeters are intact, readable, and function during flow adjustment
  Verify flowmeters are not cracked, stuck, or obscured and that bobbins respond appropriately.
• Low-pressure system leak test completed without leak
  Perform the machine leak test per local SOP and confirm the system holds pressure.
• Oxygen flush valve operates and returns normally
  Confirm the oxygen flush delivers flow when activated and stops when released.

Breathing Circuit and Ventilator

• Breathing circuit assembled correctly and free of visible damage
  Inspect hoses, connectors, Y-piece, and reservoir bag for cracks, disconnections, or wear.
• Reservoir bag inflates and deflates appropriately
  Confirm the bag responds normally during manual ventilation and system testing.
• APL valve functions and is set appropriately
  Verify the adjustable pressure-limiting valve turns freely and is set per case requirements.
• CO2 absorbent present and not exhausted or channeling
  Inspect absorbent canister condition, color change, and evidence of channeling or depletion.
• Ventilator performs test cycle without alarm or abnormal pressure
  Run the ventilator test mode and verify normal cycling, pressures, and alarm behavior.

Gas Analyzer and Monitoring

• Gas analyzer powers on and completes calibration or warm-up
  Confirm the analyzer is operational and ready to display accurate readings.
• Inspired and end-tidal gas readings display correctly
  Verify the monitor displays oxygen, anesthetic agent, and carbon dioxide values as applicable.
• Gas sampling line connected and unobstructed
  Check the sampling line for secure connection, kinks, moisture, or occlusion.
• Alarm limits set according to local policy
  Confirm high and low alarm thresholds are configured before patient use.