During every medical gas verification there is a test called Piping Purity Test. The test ensures that there are less than 5 parts per million of Total Hydrocarbons and less than 5 parts per million of Halogenated Hydrocarbons.

 

Do you know what Hydrocarbons and Halogenated Hydrocarbons are? Why do we test for them and what is the proper testing method to determine if the system is safe for use?

 

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up of mostly carbon and hydrogen but also contain oxygen, nitrogen and halogens. They originate generally from petroleum, but oil can be made from vegetation as well as synthetic polymers.

 

Halogenated Hydrocarbons are chemical compounds used during the cleaning process which is used for components deemed “Cleaned for Oxygen Use”.

 

During the verification process the Piping Purity Test determines if the piping which has been installed was in fact “Cleaned for Oxygen Use”. It also determines whether the cleaning process was performed correctly, and that there is no residue left behind from the cleaning process.

 

In order to ensure that a medical gas system passes the Piping Purity Test, a sample of the “Oil Free Dry Nitrogen, NF Grade” should be taken and tested prior to actually completing the verification of the medical gas system and putting the system into use.

 

Whenever new piping has been installed, the Piping Purity Test should be completed by an ASSE 6030 Medical Gas Systems Verifier to ensure that the proper piping has been used as per NFPA 99, Standard on Healthcare Facilities requirements.

 

 

By:

 

Jay D’Agostino

ASSE 6020 Medical Gas Inspector

ASSE 6030 Medical Gas Systems Verifier

MGPHO CMGV No: V-0137

Vice President of Operations