This study assessed the effect of desflurane on the filtration performance of six breathing system filters intended for use with adults. Three filters contained an electrostatic filter material and three contained a pleated glass fibre filter material. Five samples of each model of filter were exposed to 6% v/v of desflurane for 1 h, 12% v/v of desflurane for 1 h, 12% v/v of desflurane for 4 h and air only for 1 h. Five samples of each filter were also tested without exposure to any vapour or air. The filtration performance was measured by challenging each filter with an aerosol of sodium chloride particles using a Moore's test rig. Penetration of particles through the electrostatic filters increased following exposure to a higher concentration of desflurane for a longer duration (p < 0.001). The effect on two of the pleated filters was not significant (p = 0.55 and p = 0.64). The effect on the remaining pleated filter was significant (p < 0.001) but small. The efficiency of some filters decreases when they are exposed to high concentrations of desflurane for a long duration. This effect appears more marked in electrostatic filters compared with pleated filters.
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