Describe the features of an ideal disconnect alarm

Disconnect alarm is a low pressure monitoring device attached to the inspiratory limb that alarms if the pressure fails to exceed a minimum pressure within a fixed time (15 secs)

Features

Sensitive

Able to exclude false negatives

Can detect a disconnection at any point within the circuit

Back pressure generated by HME

High insp flow rates

Condensation in the pressure sensing tube

Transmitted negative pressure from scavenging system

Specific

Rapid response

Cheap

Automatically enabled

Can be used during SV or PPV

Distinguishable audible and visual alarms

Safe

No infection transmission risk

No electrocution risk

No interference by diathermy

Independent isolated power supply with battery backup