ATS GUIDELINES Bundle

Table 2. Characteristics of Portable Oxygen Devices Metal Oxygen Cylinders POCs LOX Duration of supply A single E tank with a stroller will last approximately 1.9 h on 6 L/min. Multiple cylinders are needed for high-f low (>3 L/min) patients to be out of the home >2–4 h. e All POCs depend on a battery supply that depletes more rapidly with higher settings, higher respiratory rates, and the use of continuous-f low settings. A medium LOX canister will last 3 h at 6 L/min of continuous f low. Cost Metal oxygen cylinders range from US $50 to US $100. Additional costs for a regulator or oxygen-conserving device. Commonly supplied by U.S. DME companies. In the United States, many DME companies offer POCs as a portable option together with a stationary concentrator. Individuals can also purchase them for US $2,000–4,000. Cost estimates are approximately four times higher per patient compared with POCs or metal-cylinder options because of the requirements for DME companies to access and store LOX, use specially outfitted delivery trucks, and provide weekly refill servicing. f Travel Metal cylinders not allowed for air travel. POCs are the only carry-on portable oxygen device allowed by the Federal Aviation Administration for air travel. Some airlines may provide oxygen cylinders for emergency in-f light use only. g Liquid oxygen not allowed for air travel. a e availability of different oxygen devices varies by geographic region, and some jurisdictions do not have smaller metal oxygen cylinders. b POCs vary in pulse technolog y, oxygen purity, and triggering sensitivity. c e few POCs that currently provide a maximum of 3 L/min on a continuous-f low setting weigh over 9 kg and require a trolley. d For all devices, if an oxygen-conserving device is used, the patient should be tested using that device during exertion, similar to what they would do in daily life, to ensure adequate oxygenation. A continuous-f low setting of 5 L/min and a pulse-f low setting of "5" may not deliver equivalent volumes of oxygen, despite direct marketing claims. e Patients depend on their DME company to deliver an adequate number of cylinders per week or month. f LOX costs are higher than costs for POCs or metal cylinders. g e Federal Aviation Administration stipulates which POCs are allowed for use during air travel. Treatment (cont'd)

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