Evaluation of performance characteristics of disposable bag-valve resuscitators

To evaluate the performance characteristics of disposable bag-valve resuscitators.

Single and multitrial tests under simulated clinical conditions. Results of multitrial tests were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance.

A pulmonary laboratory in a university hospital.

We evaluated eight DRs to determine: a) physical characteristics, including the potential for misassembly; b) FIO2 of 1.0 and flow rates of 10 L; c) tidal volume (VT) (male and female operators) using one and two hands; and d) cycling rates at 5 degrees, 20 degrees, and 48 degrees C.

All resuscitators met the minimum requirements of the Canadian Standards Association and the American Society for Testing and Materials. However, the CPR and LSP could be assembled incorrectly for use. Three units (B Sav, Pulm, and MPR) delivered significantly less than 80% oxygen (overall p less than .05). Significant increases were seen in VT using two hands vs. one hand (1176 vs. 960 mL, p less than .001) and males vs. females using two hands (1284 vs. 1102 mL, p less than .02). One unit (B Sav) could only be used with two hands. The maximum cycling rates for all units increased significantly (p less than .05) with an increase in temperature from -5 degrees to 20 degrees to 40 degrees C. However, two units (Bag E and MPR) failed to deliver 20 breaths/min at -5 degrees C, while the B Sav and Pulm valves became dysfunctional at 48 degrees C.

While these DRs meet the minimum standards, they should be chosen carefully and evaluated before application in the clinical environment.