The Anaesthetic Machine Check Made Simple
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Perseus DrΓ€ger Anaesthetic Machine Check
Drager are the most common anaesthetic machine in the UK so it makes sense that we start off our series with this. Post in the comments if there are any other pieces of equipment you want guides for.
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If you work in anaesthetics, knowing how to perform a safe and structured anaesthetic machine check is essential. This guide explains how to check the Perseus DrΓ€ger anaesthetic machine in a simple, practical way, following UK guidance.
This article is written for ODPs, anaesthetic nurses, trainee anaesthetists and students working in NHS and private hospitals.
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What Is an Anaesthetic Machine and Why Is It Used?
An anaesthetic machine, also known as an anaesthetic workstation, delivers oxygen, medical gases and volatile anaesthetic agents to a patient during surgery. It also ventilates the patient and monitors airway pressures and volumes.
Modern systems such as the Perseus A500 from DrΓ€ger combine:
β’ Gas delivery
β’ Ventilation
β’ Monitoring
β’ Safety alarms
β’ Automated system checks
Why do we check the anaesthetic machine before every list?
The anaesthetic machine is life support equipment. If it fails, the patient cannot breathe safely. A proper check reduces the risk of:
β’ Hypoxia
β’ Barotrauma
β’ Incorrect agent delivery
β’ Equipment related critical incidents
UK practice is guided by the Association of Anaesthetists and the Royal College of Anaesthetists.
Always follow your local trust policy alongside national guidance.
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Perseus DrΓ€ger Anaesthetic Machine Check: Basic Look Around
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Before switching the machine on, perform a structured visual inspection. This reduces the risk of missing obvious but critical issues.
1. Power Supply
Check the machine is plugged into mains power.
Check the battery status indicator.
Why
If mains power fails mid procedure, the battery must support ventilation and monitoring. If the machine has been unplugged it is good practice to contact your medical engineering department to check the machine before use.
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2. Oxygen Supply
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Check oxygen pipeline connection is secure.
Check cylinder backup is present and available according to local policy.
If the cylinder is opened, confirm adequate pressure.
Why
Oxygen is the most important gas. Loss of oxygen supply is immediately life threatening. Tip - Leaving a gas cylinder open on the back of an anaesthetic machine can cause the cylinder to leak.
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3. Medical Gas Hoses
Check air and nitrous oxide pipelines are connected correctly.
Ensure colour coding matches UK standards.
Perform a "Tug test" this involves pulling gently on the pipes to ensure they are connected.
Why
Misconnection can result in delivery of the wrong gas mixture.
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4. Vaporisers
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Check vaporisers are seated correctly and locked.
Confirm the correct agent is loaded.
Check levels are sufficient for the operating list.
Ensure only one vaporiser can be turned on at a time. (This is a essential test)
Why
Incorrect or loose vaporisers can cause underdosing, overdosing or leaks.
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5. Breathing Circuit
There are many different types of breathing circuits and usually differ per speciality.
Check the circuit is intact.
Ensure bacterial filter/HME is attached.
Confirm reservoir bag is present and undamaged.
Ensure APL valve turns smoothly.
Why
Leaks or obstructions can prevent effective ventilation.
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6. Suction
Turn suction on.
Confirm Yankauer and tubing are connected.
Kink the tubing and ensure that the pressure rises in the suction. This means the vacuum is working. DO not touch the end of the suction.
Why
Suction is essential for airway management and emergencies.
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7. Scavenging
Check the scavenging system is connected. (Big tube usually screwed into the wall pipeline)
Why
Protects theatre staff from waste anaesthetic gases.
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Perseus DrΓ€ger Self Test and Full System Check
The Perseus DrΓ€ger anaesthetic machine has an automated system check. This should be done alongside your check described above.
Automated Self Test
Switch the machine on.
Follow on screen prompts.
Ensure all equipment and lung(green bag)is connected.
Follow the guide which shows you how to complete the full daily test.
Allow the system to complete its automated leak and compliance checks.
Why
The internal system checks valves, flow sensors, leak integrity and ventilator performance.
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Manual Confirmation After Self Test
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Automation supports safety but does not replace clinical responsibility.
Ensure you have all equipment available for an airway emergency.Β
A self inflating resuscitation bag should be available near every anaesthetic machine.
Document completion according to local policy.
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Perseus DrΓ€ger Ventilator Modes Explained Simply
Understanding ventilator modes improves patient safety and confidence.
Volume Controlled Ventilation
Delivers a set tidal volume (total volume of gasses delivered) with each breath.
Used for
Routine general anaesthesia where lung compliance is predictable.
Why
Ensures consistent minute ventilation.
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Pressure Controlled Ventilation
Delivers breaths to a set pressure limit.
Tidal volume varies depending on compliance.
Used for
Laparoscopic surgery, obese patients or cases with reduced compliance.
Why
Reduces risk of high airway pressures.
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Pressure Support
Patient initiates breaths and the machine assists with pressure.
Used for
Spontaneous breathing and emergence from anaesthesia.
Why
Improves patient comfort and synchrony.
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Manual SpontaneousΒ
The patient breathes on their own and no additional ventilation support is provided.Β
Used for
Induction of anaesthesia and extubation.
Why
Allows the patient to breath on their own without the feeling of harsh pressure or the machine breathing for them.
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Why do the checks matter?
Performing a structured anaesthetic machine check before every operating list is a core safety responsibility for ODPs and anaesthetic teams.
A consistent approach:
β’ Reduces human error
β’ Prevents avoidable incidents
β’ Protects patients
β’ Protects staff
β’ Aligns with UK national guidance
Always follow guidance from the Association of Anaesthetists and the Royal College of Anaesthetists, alongside your trust policy.
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Additional Tips to remember
All machines are very similar and you should be performing the test suitable to the machine. If unsure the operation Manuel is available either with the machine or online.Β
Any issue you have can be solved with the manual if you spend some time and look at it.
If you would like to learn more about the professional who looks after this piece of vital medical equipment, you can read our full guide explaining what an Operating Department Practitioner doesΒ
You can also find healthcare themed accessories and gifts for theatre staff here:
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