Setting up a medical suction machine correctly is important, whether in a hospital or home care setting. These devices generate a negative pressure, or vacuum, to remove fluids and secretions that obstruct a person’s airway or interfere with medical procedures. Proper setup directly influences both patient safety and the machine’s efficacy. The following steps provide sequential instructions to ensure the suction unit is operational and prepared for immediate use.
Identifying the Necessary Equipment Components
Gather and inspect all required parts before beginning assembly. The core component is the main suction machine or pump, which generates the vacuum. This machine requires a reliable power source, such as an AC adapter plugged into a grounded wall outlet or a fully charged internal battery for portable units.
The collection canister serves as a reservoir for aspirated fluids. This canister is typically disposable and must be securely fitted with a lid to prevent leaks and maintain the vacuum’s integrity. Tubing is necessary, including a short connecting tube between the pump and the canister, and a longer patient tube connecting the canister to the suction attachment.
Finally, the system requires the appropriate suction attachment, which enters the patient’s airway. This may be a rigid Yankauer tip for oral suctioning or a flexible French catheter for deeper suctioning.
Connecting the Unit and Collection System
Begin assembly by securing the collection canister to the main unit. The canister is typically placed into a designated holder, and the lid must be firmly pressed until a tight seal is confirmed. A proper seal is necessary, as any air leak prevents the machine from generating the required negative pressure.
Next, connect the two primary sections of tubing to the canister lid’s ports. The short connecting tube attaches to the port labeled “Vacuum” or “Inlet” on the canister lid. The other end of this short tube connects directly to the vacuum barb or filter on the main suction machine.
The longer patient tubing connects to the port labeled “Patient” or “Suction” on the canister lid. Ensure all connections—at the machine, the filter, and both canister ports—are fully seated and secure. Plug the unit into its power source, whether an AC outlet or a dedicated DC source.
Setting the Vacuum Pressure and Testing Readiness
The final steps involve calibrating the machine and verifying its function. After assembly and plugging in the unit, flip the power switch to the “ON” position. Locate the vacuum regulator dial and the corresponding pressure gauge, which is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
To set the vacuum level, turn the regulator knob while simultaneously blocking, or occluding, the open end of the patient tube. Occluding the tube allows the gauge to accurately display the pressure being generated. Turning the regulator clockwise increases the negative pressure, while turning it counter-clockwise decreases the setting.
Selecting the correct pressure depends on the patient’s age and the procedure being performed. Adult suctioning pressures should not exceed 150 mmHg, typically ranging between 100 to 150 mmHg. For children, the pressure is lower, generally set between 100 and 120 mmHg. Infant pressures are reduced further, ranging from 80 to 100 mmHg.
The functional test is complete when the gauge quickly rises to and maintains the desired pressure while the tube is occluded. If the pressure is unstable or does not reach the set level, this indicates a leak, and all connections must be rechecked. Once the system holds the correct pressure, attach the appropriate catheter or tip to the patient tubing.