The self-inflating resuscitation bag delivers high oxygen concentrations when used without a reservoir: implications...

To measure the delivered fractional oxygen concentration (F(DO(2))) from preterm-size Laerdal silicone resuscitators (PLSR) without a reservoir.

The North American Neonatal Resuscitation Program manual states that self-inflating bags without a reservoir deliver approximately 40% oxygen, differing from the PLSR manufacturer's specifications.

A neonatal test lung was manually ventilated using PLSRs without a reservoir. A 50 psi 100% oxygen source and an oxygen flow meter were used to provide desired oxygen inlet flows. F(DO(2)) was measured using 3 different PLSRs after 4 min of manual ventilation of a neonatal test lung, at differing inspired tidal volumes (5 mL or 20 mL), respiratory rates (40 breaths/min or 60 breaths/min), and oxygen inlet flows (1 to 4, 5, and 10 L/min).

In all tests using 5 or 10 L/min, exceeded 0.95. The lowest F(DO(2)) was 0.59, at 1 L/min.

The F(DO(2)) measured during this study did not differ from PLSR specifications. The F(DO(2)) did, however, differ from information contained in the North American Neonatal Resuscitation Program manual regarding use of a self-inflating bag without a reservoir. Care should be taken when selecting a self-inflating resuscitation device to provide blended air and oxygen, as high concentrations of oxygen may be delivered by these devices even when the reservoir is removed. American and Canadian recommendations for the provision of supplemental oxygen with self-inflating bags require reevaluation.