Nitrous Oxide Testing Dental
The frequency recommendations for nitrous oxide testing is very limited. The only government document that I am aware of is the 1977 NIOSH publications which recommend quarterly. In 1977 the only practical method was badge testing so that is what they reference. Now we have on-site, real-time testing analyzers. As always, the facility policy can dictate the frequency but any frequency less than annual will meet heavy scrutiny by CMS and most state authorities.
Proper testing includes:
· Nitrous oxide testing for non-use conditions with a baseline excursion limit of 5 ppm
· Nitrous oxide testing for in use condition, live or simulated, with an excursion limit of 25 ppm
· Air exchanges should be referenced from air exchange tests or performed with the N2O test
· Positive pressure should be referenced from air positive pressure tests or performed with the N2O test
References:
NIOSH 1977 N2O Testing Frequency
