How to Use an Oxygen Flow Meter on a Hospital Ward

Know what the device shows

A wall oxygen flowmeter displays the flow rate in litres per minute. The oxygen regulator flow rate, as the term is often searched, is the same quantity: how much gas leaves the outlet each minute. On a cylinder, a separate regulator first reduces pressure, and the flow control then sets litres per minute. The two functions are explained in our comparison of an oxygen regulator vs flow meter.

Before using any device, check that it is marked for oxygen, is clean, is not damaged and has a visible, legible scale. Never use a flowmeter that is cracked, has a stuck float or has been contaminated with oil or grease.

Connecting to the wall outlet

Make sure the flowmeter is closed, with the control knob turned fully clockwise but without excessive force. Align the probe with the terminal unit and push or turn it according to the connector pattern in your hospital until it locks. A properly seated probe clicks into place and holds when you pull gently.

Listen for a hiss, which suggests a leak at the connection. If you hear one, disconnect and reconnect, and report the outlet to the biomedical or maintenance team if the problem persists. Outlets are part of the pipeline system that medical gas outlet types describes in detail.

How to read the flowmeter

For a tapered tube with a ball, keep the device upright and read at eye level. Take the value at the point the manufacturer indicates, which is commonly the centre of a ball or the top of a float, as the type varies. If the flowmeter is slightly tilted the reading may be wrong, so check the vertical position first.

Do not read the scale from above or below, because parallax causes errors. If the ball flutters or sticks, do not use the device and replace it.

• Hold or mount the unit vertically
• Read at eye level
• Use the reference point stated on the unit
• Confirm the scale is calibrated for oxygen

How to adjust oxygen regulator or flowmeter settings

Open the control knob slowly, counterclockwise, until the float reaches the prescribed litres per minute, then check the reading again after it has stabilised. Oxygen regulator settings should always follow the order of the responsible clinician; staff should not change them on their own initiative.

To stop, turn the knob fully clockwise and then disconnect. Record the flow, the device and the time according to your documentation rules. If you use a cylinder regulator, open the cylinder valve slowly, check the contents gauge, and close the valve before disconnecting.

Humidifier, checks and common mistakes

If a bubble humidifier is prescribed, attach it to the outlet of the flowmeter, fill it to the marked level with the water type permitted by your policy and check that bubbles appear. See using a humidifier with an oxygen flowmeter for details.

Common mistakes include reading a tilted flowmeter, forcing the knob closed, leaving flow on after the patient has gone, touching connectors with greasy hands and mixing parts from different gas systems. A short daily check by the nurse in charge, with defects reported at once, prevents most of these. For training material and component advice, contact Beckfinity's specialists.