AMSORB® Plus CO2 Absorbent

Why change to AMSORB® Plus

AMSORB^® Plus is the world’s first CO₂ absorbent to be free of strong alkali.

It offers significant clinical, cost and environmental advantage.

Eco-friendly

AMSORB® Plus breaks down into harmless organic compounds, so it's easier on patients and staff and potentially simpler to dispose of.

Efficient

Irreversible colour change of AMSORB® Plus provides an accurate indication of hydrated state, improving confidence in clinical and purchasing decisions.

Cost-effective

Low-flow anaesthesia delivery reduces the consumption of anesthetic agents and lowers your overall cost of ownership.

Easier to Use

AMSORB® Plus retains its desiccated colour change. Available in prefill cartridges compatible with most common anaesthesia machine brands.

Safer

Unlike other absorbents, AMSORB® Plus is incapable of anaesthetic degradation and does not produce harmful by-products.

Designed for low flow anaesthesia

AMSORB® Plus is safe for use at low and minimal flow rates. It will not adsorb anaesthetic agent and is not capable of agent degradation.

The Cost Implications of Replacing Soda Lime with AMSORB Plus®

in Clinical Practice.^[1]

How AMSORB® Plus works

AMSORB® PLUS is NOT a soda lime

The primary reaction is between CO₂ and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) and water. These form calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and water. Exothermic heat is a by-product of absorption. During absorption, Ca(OH)₂ is continually re-moistened until converted to CaCO₃. Lesser chemicals, calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and calcium sulphate (CaSO₄) prolong the life of Ca(OH)₂ and increase the speed of absorption reaction by maintaining granule strength and optimising hydration.

Chemical Reaction of Absorption

Ca(OH)2 + CO2 >>>>> CaCO3 + H2O

Slightly soluble >>>>> Insoluble

Ca(OH)2 is an ionic compound which is soluble in water at 0.5g/L at 20°C:

The ions are Ca++ and OH-OH-

CO2 is soluble in water at 1 vol : 1 vol at 20°C

CaCO₃ is an insoluble ionic compound Ca++ and CO3- –

Reactions take place in solution when particles are mobile and react on collision.

A colour indicator is present, changing from WHITE (fresh) to VIOLET upon exhaustion or desiccation.

The indicator reacts to changes in granule hydration as absorption progresses; eventually remaining violet-coloured, once absorption is complete. Colouration also results from contact with ambient air or oxygen, if exposed to these.

References

[1] Mannion S, Ahmed O. The cost implications of replacing soda lime with Amsorb^® in clinical practice. European Journal of Anaesthesiology. June 2011;28:P12-13.