Oxygen Therapy
BabyOx
With improvements in survival rates and developments in medical science, the provision of Oxygen to neonates and young children is becoming more and more common in today’s society.
Typical flowrates in such cases may be upwards from 0.01 litres/min. This is a fraction of those which would be required for more mature patients. Because this demand is not accommodated through the usual channels, provision is made through the "BabyOx" service, under the authority of Health Facilities Scotland, a division of the Scottish Health Service.
The BabyOx service comprises the following:
- The initial supply of portable medical Oxygen cylinders with a regulator suitable to deliver the prescribed demand.
- A bag/case in which to carry the cylinder
- Training of the carer.
- Provision of health and safety information relating to the storage and use of compressed medical gas cylinders.
- Ongoing deliveries and collections of cylinders as per the patient’s requirements.
Two types of cylinders are available for use. They differ slightly in appearance and weight, but perform a very similar function. By carefully consulting with the healthcare agencies, we endeavour to ensure that the patient has the most appropriate package for their needs.
- The CD cylinder holds 460 litres of Oxygen
- It weighs 3.9 kg (9.5 lbs) when full
- It is 52 cm (20.5") tall and 10cm (4") in diameter
- Typically, the cylinder will last for over 75 hours at a flow rate of 0.1 litres per minute
The alternative to the CD is called an MGS, or New Vision cylinder. It is available in two sizes, designated the MGS 1 litre and MGS 2 litre respectively.
The MGS 1 litre (the smaller of the two) has a gas capacity of 340 litres of Oxygen:- It weighs 1.8kg when full, is 360 mm long and 85mm in diameter.
- It will last over 55 hours at 0.1 litres/min.
- It weighs 2.8 kg when full, is 460mm long and 101 mm in diameter.
- This package is particularly beneficial for patients requiring flowrates above 0.5 litres/min, due to its higher capacity and relatively compact size. It will last over 100 hours at 0.1 l/min.
