MicroCapStar CO2 Monitor

MicroCapStar CO2 Monitor

The microCapStar End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Analyzer provides accurate end-tidal or continuous measurement of expired CO₂ in animals as small as mice. It features very low sample flow requirements, rapid response time, and long-term stability. Respiratory rate (RR) is computed using the excursions of the CO₂ waveform. The CO₂ and RR measurements, as well as a trend plot of the end-tidal values, are displayed on the graphics LCD screen.

The heart of the microCapStar is a new temperature-controlled infrared CO₂ sensor with digital output. Low sample flow and rapid response is achieved with a carrier gas system employing digitally-controlled active flow management. This technique precisely and automatically maintains the ratio of carrier flow to sample flow, which is essential for accurate measurements. The heated measurement cell prevents water condensation, even during long-term measurement sessions. The standard sample tubing set is 1m long, but lengths over 2.5m are possible.

The front-panel display (see above) shows CO₂ concentration (either instantaneous or ETCO₂) in either percent or mmHg, and a 5-minute trend plot of ETCO₂.. Calibration is performed with a single calibration gas and room air. An adjustable ETCO₂ alarm provides a warning when end-tidal values fall out of a user-adjustable preset range. All adjustments are performed digitally using a single knob. Built-in diagnostics monitoring warn of plugged sample tubing or other fault conditions.

Updated version!  (2010) The current version has new firmware to allow user-adjustable averaging of ETCO₂ and RR for improved readability. In addition, the resolution of measurement has been increased to 0.01% CO₂ and the response time has been increased.

The advanced features, reliability, and ease of operation of the microCapStar make it the perfect companion to our SAR-830 series Small Animal Ventilators for monitoring respiratory status. With the AVS-1 Advanced Ventilator System, it can be used to control end-tidal CO₂. An accessory pack containing spare low-volume sample tubing and a variety of connectors and fittings is included with the instrument. A range of accessories is available to ensure easy setup and convenient operation. Windows-based monitoring software is included, which allows display of the measurements, and saving the data to a disk file.

CO₂ monitoring is widely recognized as an important measure of the respiratory status of experimental animals. It is useful in setting ventilator parameters, and serves to gauge depth of anesthesia in unassisted, spontaneously breathing animals as well. The microCapStar extends this important technique to the realm of small experimental animals.