Researchers commonly use waste anesthetic gas during medical procedures. To protect researchers from being overexposed to anesthetic gas, a waste anesthetic gas assessment and leak test need to be performed by Environmental Health and Safety on a periodic basis – usually annually. This page describes the reasons behind waste anesthetic gas testing and the procedures involved.
Anesthetic gases and vapors that leak into the surrounding room during medical procedures are considered waste anesthetic gases.
Types of anesthetic gas -Nitrous oxide and halogenated agents (vapors) such as halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and desflurane. The most commonly used anesthetic at the U of U is isoflurane.
IACUC requires a yearly waste anesthetic gas assessment and anesthesia machine leak test for all protocols involving anesthetic agents. Completing the assessment and test helps to ensure the safety of those working with the anesthetic.
WAG Assessment
The waste anesthetic gas assessment requires the researcher to wear a small badge clipped to their collar while conducting the procedure listed in the protocol.
Leak Test
A leak test involves a hand-held instrument that can detect leaks in the anesthesia machine and equipment.
Depending on the protocol, multiple assessments and leak tests may be required. In general, it is required to conduct a WAG assessment for each combination of species, anesthesia machine (or other device) and protocol. Leak testing is required on all anesthesia machines prior to use and/or when personnel experience any of the symptoms of exposure.
Symptoms of exposure: nausea, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue.
Effects of Exposure: Sterility, miscarriage, birth defects, cancer, liver and kidney disease
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