Medical soda lime is a chemical absorbent used in anesthesia machines and some medical devices to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from exhaled gases. Here’s a clear overview:
Purpose:
Absorbs CO2 in closed or semi-closed breathing circuits.
Ensures the patient rebreathes oxygen and anesthetic gases safely without accumulating CO2.
Composition:
Typically a mixture of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
May contain small amounts of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and an indicator dye (changes color when exhausted).