What is capnography?
The noninvasive measurement of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in exhaled breath expressed as the CO2 concentration over time. The maximum CO2 concentration at the end of each tidal breath is called the end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2).
Capnography provides a quantitative measure and a waveform depicting CO2 levels over time.
Normal EtCO2 values are 30-43 mmHg.
Capnography provides a quantitative measure and a waveform depicting CO2 levels over time.
Normal EtCO2 values are 30-43 mmHg.
Capnography Uses
Capnography provides instantaneous information about ventilation (how effectively CO2 is being eliminated by the pulmonary system), perfusion (how effectively CO2 is being transported through the vascular system), and metabolism (how effectively CO2 is being produced by cellular metabolism).
Capnography can be used in intubated patients for:
Capnography can be used in intubated patients for:
- Verification of endotracheal tube placement
- Continuous monitoring of tube location during transport
- Gauging effectiveness of resuscitation and prognosis during cardiac arrest
- Titrating end tidal CO2 (EtCO2) levels in patients with suspected increases in intracranial pressure
- Determining prognosis in trauma
- Determining adequacy of ventilation