Breast Cancer Treatment Preparation: The Supply Lowdown

When your a veterinarian, you've got to be ready for every emergency. You never know when your patients are going to require surgery. When they do, you need to know that your anesthesia machines are working properly. After all, a malfunctioning anesthesia machine can have devastating consequences for your patients. To make sure your anesthesia systems are operational at all times, here are three crucial tips you should utilize.

Don't Overlook the Leaks

When it comes to your anesthesia machines, you can't afford to have any leaks. That's why it's important that you conduct routine leak tests. Unfortunately, identifying a leaky hose on an anesthesia machine can be downright impossible, especially with the naked eye. That's why you need to have the right tools on hand. The simplest way to identify leaks is to use a water and soap solution. Fill a spray bottle with water and add several teaspoons of dish detergent. Spray the solution on your hoses and wait for the bubbles. The leaks will cause bubbles to develop in the solution. When you find bubbles, you'll know right where the leaks are.

Be Prepared for Emergency Repairs

You never know when you're going to be faced with a leaky hose, a busted gasket, or other minor repair issues. You don't want to call for repairs every time you're faced with something like that. To make sure you can take care of those minor repairs, be prepared for emergency repairs. The best way to do that is to always order a few extra parts – especially the gaskets and hoses. That way, when an issue arises, you'll have the tools and the supplies you'll need to take care of the repairs and get back to caring for your animals.

Don't Overuse Your Hoses

If you're using your hoses beyond their life expectancy, you could be looking at a potential problem. The hoses connected to your anesthesia machine are the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Unfortunately, you can't always see the bacteria growing. That's why it's so important that you change your hoses before they're showing signs of wear and tear. A good rule of thumb is to change all your hoses – the clear ones and the dark ones – at the same time. That way, you're not in danger of having contaminated hoses.

Your patients depend on you. If you use an anesthesia machine in your veterinary practice, use the tips provided here to prevent problems.