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6. Choosing and trialling equipment
6.1 General principles
Choosing anaesthetic equipment should address the
requirements of safety, quality, performance and affordability
(value for money). The selection process should take into
account local and national acquisition policies. The choice of
equipment should incorporate plans for standardisation and
rationalisation to meet existing and future needs. The Medical
Devices Management Group should ensure that acquisition
requirement takes into account the needs and preferences of
all interested parties including the user, the commissioning,
decontamination, maintenance and de-commissioning parties.
6.2 Criteria for choosing
There are many different categories of equipment used in
anaesthesia, ranging from low cost items purchased in large
volumes to high cost items purchased in small numbers.
Purchasers are encouraged to establish a list of available
manufacturers and suppliers. The choice can then be made on
evidence supplied on the following criteria:
• Fitness for intended purpose/application, including ease of
use.
• Safety, quality and performance information from the
manufacturer.
• Rationalising the range of models versus diversity.
• Requirement and availability of training and support
services.
• Single use where appropriate.
• Maintenance, repair support services and availability of
technical support.
• Decontamination and disposal procedures, including
recycling, compatible with local processes.
• Previous performance, reliability and warranty details.
• Lifetime costs.
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