A summary guide for detecting and reducing nitrous oxide infrastructure leaks in healthcare facilities

Leaks from nitrous oxide (N₂O) infrastructure have been identified as a significant contributor to the greenhouse gas emissions of healthcare facilities. Recent studies in Australia and in the United Kingdom have found at least half (and often more than 70%) of the N₂O supplied to many healthcare facilities leaks from medical pipelines and associated infrastructure before clinical administration. To assist in addressing this issue, the University of Melbourne, in collaboration with the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control and the Australian Government's Department of Health and Aged Care, published Detecting and reducing nitrous oxide leaks in healthcare facilities - a practical guide (the 'Guide') in 2024. This article summarises the Guide and best practice approaches for detection and reduction of N₂O leaks in healthcare facilities across Australia. It is intended to assist clinicians and facility managers to identify appropriate methods to test for N₂O leaks, make an informed choice about the most appropriate way to supply N₂O to a facility and reduce waste from N₂O leaks in their healthcare facility.