Diameter Indexed Safety System, otherwise known as DISS, is an outlet that uses a male threaded adapter face. The thread diameters range in size according to the specific gas type, thus eliminating the possibility of interchanging one gas connection to another.

 

The Pin Indexed Safety System uses pins that connect into the outlet faceplate. This method is also known as Quick Disconnect. The pins are arranged in a specific pattern, depending upon the gas type. One gas type cannot be interconnected to another gas type, since each gas type has its own pin pattern.

 

Many manufacturers made their own brand of pin indexed outlets, such as Puritan Bennett, Ohio Medical, Chemetron and Oxequip. Each manufacturer boasted how their outlet was better than all the rest and people bought into it. Today many of these style outlets can still be found in facilities around the country. The drawback to any of the Pin Indexed outlets was maintenance. Rebuilding of the outlets required special tools, many small parts and it was labor-intensive. Typically once a facility had a certain style outlet, they would stay with that style indefinitely so they would not have to stock different manufacturers rebuild kits. This still holds true today.

 

Pin Indexed outlets, usually referred to as Quick Disconnect outlets are preferred by many healthcare providers because they provide an easier method of connecting and disconnecting to a device rather than the DISS style outlet.

 

The DISS outlet remains one of the best style outlets because of its low maintenance requirements and sturdy design. There are, however, new designs of Pin Indexed outlets which utilize a removable barrel. This allows the maintainer to remove a few screws and easily replace an inexpensive barrel, which holds all the components of the check valve. This design accommodates healthcare providers with quick release and attachment to the outlets and allows the facility to easily maintain the outlets when necessary.