Dräger's Important Information During the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak - Coronavirus Outbreak — Dräger's Important Information During the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak

With the outbreak of the coronavirus in different parts of the world, we at Dräger believe that it is our responsibility to support hospitals and people who need safety equipment in facing this global challenge.

On this page, we would like to answer most frequent questions and show you product and application information about the usage and the reprocessing/disinfection/sterilization of Dräger medical devices and safety protection equipment.

Last update: August 14, 2020

Latest Dräger News

September 1, 2020 - Press Release: Dräger Honors RTs Lost to COVID-19 Through Contribution to the AARC COVID-19 RT Fund

Dräger, an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology, today announced that it has donated $10,000 to the American Association for Respiratory Care’s (AARC) COVID-19 RT Fund, which provides financial assistance to surviving families of respiratory therapists (RT) who died while caring for patients with COVID-19.

July 16, 2020 - Press Release: Dräger Supplies Ventilators to COVID-19 Hotspots and Beyond Through ICON Emergency Program

Dräger delivered mechanical ventilators to NYC hospitals and other area hospitals at pandemic’s peak, and continues to supply technology where it is most needed.

May 19, 2020 - Press Release: Dräger Announces ARCF Endowment to Support Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care Research

As part of an ongoing commitment to the advancement of respiratory care, Dräger announced that it has granted the American Respiratory Care Foundation (ARCF) a $50,000 endowment to support the Craig D. Smallwood Early Investigator Fellowship.

April 30, 2020 – Answers to Your Questions on Equipment Maintenance and Repairs

We are doing everything we can to both maintain the global supply of products and services to our customers and provide continued support for our equipment currently being used by caregivers in hospitals throughout the world. This document contains answers to frequently asked questions regarding Dräger’s service and support.

April 22, 2020 – New Actions to Provide Access to Critical Care Ventilation Options

Working closely with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dräger has secured Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to enable the import of ventilation devices which are actively in use in other regions around the world, but were not previously cleared for use in the US.

April 16, 2020 - Press Release: Dräger Supports Frontline Clinicians Battling COVID-19 Through Ventilator Training Alliance

Recognizing the essential role of ventilators in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, and the need for frontline healthcare providers to receive training on this critical equipment asset, Dräger has joined forces with other global ventilator manufacturers to form a Ventilator Training Alliance (VTA).

March 31, 2020 - Press Release: Dräger announces contract award to support US federal government in fight against COVID-19

Dräger is proud to announce the award of a government contract to supply N95 respiratory protection masks in support of efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.

March 19, 2020 - Customer Letter from Lothar Thielen

At Dräger, we care deeply about our customers, our employees, and everyone who depends on our solutions and services, because no matter where Dräger products are used, it is always about life. Whether for use in clinical, industrial or mining applications, in firefighting or rescue services, Dräger products protect, support and save lives. Accordingly, our top priority is to maintain and further ramp up business operations in these uncertain times in order to fulfill our social responsibility while protecting the health of every individual as best as we can. As we continue to face the challenges of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic, I want to share with you an update on steps we are taking to protect our employees and support our customers as we work through this unprecedented situation.

March 19, 2020 - Press Release: “We do our best to fulfill our social supply obligation”

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 is also a concern for Dräger. We are seeing a significant increase in demand worldwide for our ventilators, the corresponding accessories and personal protective equipment. At the same time, it is our duty to provide our employees with the greatest possible protection. This presents us with challenges that we reassess and solve every day.

Calculate Consumptions of Dräger Devices

Calculate the gas consumption of your Dräger devices and how long they can be operated with gas cylinders. The consumption calculator for Dräger anaesthesia devices also allows you to estimate the need for soda lime, volatile anaesthetic gases and fresh gas.

Useful Content

Overview: How to use this content

Within the following two blocks we have collected the most relevant documents linked to usage and the reprocessing/disinfection/sterilization of Dräger medical devices and safety protection equipment. Use the tabs to select a product area and browse relevant application videos, cleaning & reprocessing documents and instructions for use guidelines.

Note on the trainer downloads: Due to an obligatory update of the Adobe Flash-Plugin, errors might occur. Please click here for additional instructions if you encounter any issues.

Medical Devices

Evita V500

Operating pressure for air and O2 supply can range from 39 psi to 87 psi.

Babylog VN500

Operating pressure for air and O2 supply can range from 39 psi to 87 psi.

Evita XL

Please select from the following:

Savina 300

Operating pressure for the O2 supply can range from 43.5 psi to 87 psi.

Carina

Operating pressure for the O2 supply can range from 40 psi to 87 psi or 1-10 lpm low flow.

Oxylog 3000 plus

Please select from the following:

Customer Letters and Resources

Customer Letter: Reprocessing and Handling of Medical Supply Systems/Medical Lights

The following information and recommendations are targeted for supply units and medical lights from Dräger that were used on patients infected or highly suspected to be infected with the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).

Read now

Customer Letter: Filtration Efficiency of Ambient Air Filters for Savina, Savina 300, Carina and Oxylog

The following information relates to ventilation devices from Dräger using ambient air for the patient breathing gas.

Last update: April 4, 2020

Read now

Customer Letter: Use of Breathing System Filter & Neonatal Expiratory Valve

Due to these exceptional circumstances, we believe it is our responsibility to provide some insights both (I) on the legal and regulatory perspective as well as (II) related to the use of a Dräger BSF in combination with Dräger neonatal expiratory valve.

Updated: April 3, 2020

Read now

Customer Letter: Duration of Use – Expiratory Valves

According to the Instruction for Use of the Expiratory Valves we recommend a period of use up to 7 days and single-patient use due to Infection prevention and control (IPC) measurements. Because of these special circumstances, we believe it is our responsibility to provide you some information if you consider increasing the duration of use for longer than the recommended 7 days on your own responsibility. This letter is only valid for time of delivery shortage due to the pandemic COVID-19.

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Customer Letter: Usage of Dräger Anesthesia Devices for Long-Term Ventilation

We believe it is our responsibility to provide some insights both (i) on the legal and regulatory perspective as well as (ii) on some known limitations of Dräger anaesthesia devices for long-term ventilation.

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Customer Letter: Usage of Carina Sub-Acute Care Ventilators in ICUs

In the last few days many customers and health care professionals approached us, to obtain information about possibly using Dräger Carina sub-acute Care ventilators as an alternative ventilator when critical care devices are fully utilized and there are no other ventilator options. Against these special circumstances, we believe it is our responsibility to provide some insights both (i) on the legal and regulatory perspective as well as (ii) on some known limitations of Dräger Carina sub-acute care ventilators for usage on ICUs.

Read now

Customer Letter: SARS-CoV-2 and Handling of Medical Devices for ICU

The following information and recommendations are targeted for Intensive Care devices from Dräger that were used on patients infected or highly suspected to be infected with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).

Last update: March 24, 2020

Read now

Supplemental Information

Customer Letter: Providers of Mechanical Ventilation

This letter provides recommendations for health care providers and facilities, based on the recently issued guidance, regarding the use of devices with patients who develop respiratory compromise from COVID-19 or other respiratory disorders. We have received many inquiries regarding social media postings and publications that discuss the use of one ventilator to be used on multiple patients. Any such use would be considered “off-label application”. The intended use of Dräger ventilators is as a single patient item to ensure safe and reliable management of the respiratory failure patient that requires mechanical ventilation.

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Customer Letter: Usage of Dräger Oxylog Emergency Ventilators for long-term ventilation

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Customer Letter: Use of Dräger Ventilators with Oxygen 93

Read now

Perseus A500

Please select from the following:

Fabius GS premium

Please select from the following:

Fabius Tiro

Please select from the following:

Zeus Infinity Empowered

Please select from the following:

Guidelines

Customer Letters and Resources

Customer Letter: Reprocessing and handling of patient monitoring devices

The following information and recommendations are targeted for Patient Monitoring devices from Dräger that were used on patients infected, or highly suspected to be infected, with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).

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Babyleo TN500

Please select from the following:

Isolette 8000 Plus

Please select from the following:

Caleo

Please select from the following:

Reprocessing Poster

Isolette TI500

Please select from the following:

How To Clean

Resuscitaire

Please select from the following:

How To Clean

Babytherm 8004/8010

Please select from the following:

How To Clean

BiliLux Phototherapy Light

Please select from the following:

Cleaning Guide

Customer Letters and Resources

COVID-19 and handling of warming therapy devices for Neonatal Intensive Care

The following information is recommended for Neonatal Intensive Care devices from Dräger. Please find more materials explaining how to clean and reprocess our devices below.

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Supply Systems and Lights

Customer Letters and Resources

Reprocessing and Handling of Medical Supply Systems/Medical Lights

Read now

Accessory Use Instructions

Guidelines

Application Videos

Oxygen Therapy Devices (O2 Star) Portfolio

Customer Letters and Resources

Customer Letter: Infection Prevention Measures on our WaterLock 2

Information on infection prevention measures on our WaterLock 2.

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Customer Letter: Duration of Use – Expiratory Valves

Read now

Customer Letter: Use of Breathing System Filter & Neonatal Expiratory Valve

Updated: April 3, 2020

Read now

Breathing System Filters / Heat and Moisture Exchangers Comparison Chart

Overview of breathing system ﬁlters / heat and moisture exchangers for ventilators, emergency and transport ventilators, neonatal ventilators

Download

Customer Letter: Filtration Efficiency of Dräger Filters for Breathing Systems and Suction Devices

Information on retention rates of Dräger filter efficiency.

Read now

Customer Letter: Reprocessing information - Neonatal Flow Sensors

Information on reprocessing neonatal flow sensors.

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Customer Letter: Reprocessing Information - Expiratory flow sensors Spirolog and Infinity ID

Information on reprocessing Spirolog and Infinity ID expiratory flow sensors.

Read now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

FAQ: General Questions

What measures is Dräger taking with regard to the corona pandemic?

As a leading global company with the guiding principle “Technology for Life”, human health is our top priority. Our products and services protect, support and save lives. It is precisely in such a situation that we want to demonstrate this by doing our utmost.

In this context, Dräger has a special role to play in helping maintain the functionality of critical infrastructure --- the failure or impairment of which would result in lasting supply bottlenecks, significant disruptions to public safety or other drastic consequences. We have therefore issued a letter to our employees, key suppliers, service providers and transport companies for emergencies which enables them to remain fully mobile in exceptional situations, subject to compliance with certain conditions, in order to meet our social responsibility.

Our company has a current pandemic plan which is regularly updated and adapted under the direction of our internal company medical service. All schemes for the protection of our employees and for maintaining our operational capability are likewise developed in collaboration with our internal health management, which has received several awards. So a large number of employees are already working exactly where it is operationally necessary and medically justifiable (on site at your premises, in production, logistics and development; on a home office basis).
Thanks to an efficient internal IT department and carefully selected partners for communication technologies, we are able to provide a very large number of employees with a powerful PC workstation with access to all necessary central IT systems, as well as an internet-supported telephony solution. In areas where employees’ physical presence is required, we work with rolling teams and shifts in order to be able to switch to different teams in case of a possible infection of a team member which might also require isolation of other colleagues. In selected areas, we have preparations in place to be able to continue our work with special protective equipment even if corona cases occur.
Please also understand that, in order to protect our own employees – where telephone conferences are not possible – we are holding the required customer meetings and training courses with as few people as possible and avoiding large groups.

Last update: March 27, 2020

How is Dräger meeting the high demand for protective equipment and ventilators?

To meet the high demand for our products, we have already significantly expanded our production capacities in recent weeks. There has been a significant increase in global demand for personal protective equipment, especially FFP masks, half masks, particle filters, safety glasses and protective suits. We produce our masks in Sweden and South Africa. Our production capacities are currently fully utilized and we naturally have the relevant back-up stocks to cushion short-term fluctuations. However, due to the sharp increase in the number of infections, the amount of orders and inquiries is rising dramatically. As a result, our production capacities are currently fully utilized, and we have to prioritize deliveries/orders accordingly. We are doing this in accordance with our supply mandate, taking into account existing contractual obligations. You will of course appreciate that, despite enormous efforts, it is not always possible to satisfy this exponentially increasing demand directly and immediately.

In our Medical Technology division we are currently producing almost twice as many ventilators as before. We are working flat out to expand our production capacity even further. Here, the fact that we invested in a future-oriented factory using state-of-the-art industrial production methods several years ago is now paying off. We have agreed with our employees on innovative work organization and working time models. This gives us the necessary flexibility to respond to the high volume of orders. We particularly appreciate the commitment of our employees and are very grateful for their daily efforts to support our customers in helping others.

In times of pandemic, we at Dräger are doing everything in our power to meet our social responsibility to provide for society – worldwide.

Last update: March 27, 2020

FAQ: Medical Devices

What air and oxygen operating pressure can Draeger ventilators safely operate at?

The operating pressure for air and 02 supply for the V500 and VN500 ventilators can range from 39 psi to 87 psi
The operating pressure for the 02 supply for the Savina 300 can range from 43.5 psi to 87 psi.
The operating pressure for the 02 supply for the Carina ventilator can range from 40 psi to 87 psi or 1-10 lpm low flow.

Last update: April 3, 2020

Can I put old medical devices back into operation?

The current situation in the United States is extremely dynamic due to COVID-19 and the development of the pandemic. As a leading global company with the guiding principle “Technology for Life”, human health is our top priority. Our products and services protect, support and save lives. It is precisely in such a situation that we want to demonstrate this by doing our utmost.

In the event older ventilator models that have placed into long-term storage are desired to be used, a full preventative maintenance and any needed repairs should be performed prior to clinical use. If you have any questions, please get in touch with your contact at Dräger in the usual way.

Last update: March 27, 2020

How do I prepare devices if a corona patient was ventilated with them? Are there any special instructions/points to be observed during reprocessing?

You will find information on reprocessing medical devices above in the relevant product section.

Last update: March 27, 2020

Do you give clinical guidance on how to treat COVID-19 patients?

Dräger does not give clinical guidance. Please refer to the societies and organizations listed in the link section for further information, best practices and clinical guidance.

Last update: March 27, 2020

Can you mount the monitor/control unit on your ventilators outside of the room?

A 9 foot extension cable is available to allow the user interface to be further away from the bedside ventilation unit (PN: MS18781). Due to the current crisis, we are experiencing a high demand for this cable and shipment delays will be experienced.

Last update: April 1, 2020

Can a VN500 be converted to a V500?

No, this is not possible.

Last update: April 1, 2020

FAQ: Personal Protection

Is it possible to reprocess (disposable) FFP protective masks?

Unfortunately it is not possible to reprocess the FFP protective masks supplied by Dräger.
All FFP protective masks contain electrostatic filter materials – the charge of these materials is destroyed by heat, radioactive radiation, UV radiation and the like, causing the mask to lose most of its filtration properties. Disinfectants such as isopropyl, ethanol and other detergents also destroy the charge of the filter material.
Since all the above-mentioned procedures cause lasting damage to the filter material, Dräger is not working on a reprocessing procedure.
In this connection, please also observe the information contained in the instructions for use for the respective products.

Last update: March 27, 2020

Further information

How long can I store respiratory masks?

If storage conditions are ideal (low humidity, no high temperatures), it is very likely that fine dust filter masks can be used beyond their normal expiry date. However, only a test in an approved laboratory with the appropriate equipment can provide information in regards to 42 CFR Part 84 NIOSH Respiratory Protective Devices standard which verifies and measures current performance.

Last update: March 30, 2020

Which Personal Protection Equipment should I use?

Dräger does not give guidance on which PPE should be used linked to COVID-19. As one possible source please refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) who published an interim guidance “Infection prevention and control during health care when COVID-19 is suspected” which names the appropriate PPE when in contact with patients (see chapter 3.2 Airborne precautions for aerosol-generating).

Link to Procedures

Does a surgical face mask offer the same protection as respiratory mask?

The purpose of a surgical mask is to protect against penetration by sprayed liquids and to protect others against droplets in the air exhaled by the wearer. A respirator mask protects the wearer against inhalation of minute airborne particles and droplets. More information can be found here.

In a non-occupational situation a surgical mask may be beneficial for the protection of other persons when the wearer believes that he or she may be spreading pathogens.

Find out more

FAQs: Delivery

When will I receive my order? Will there by changes to delivery periods?

We are currently faced with an unprecedented demand for our ventilation and respiratory protection products. As a result, we have increased the production of these products and we will continue to work on ways to increase even further. Despite these efforts, our orders backlog and production lead times continue to grow. We are working diligently to serve all our customers as quickly as possible. We very much regret that we are currently unable to make any reliable statements about possible delivery dates for your order. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

Last update: April 1, 2020

Is Dräger still able to supply products?

Within the scope of our capacities and subject to any official orders, we will continue to supply our products and provide our services for medical care and personal protective equipment. To this end, we have increased our production along the entire value chain, also involving suppliers and services, and we are working on ways to increase further. In addition, we have taken various organizational measures to protect our employees in the best possible way and maintain the company's capacity to act. In parallel, we are preparing our workforce with the necessary tools and protective equipment where possible so they can be on site to carry out the necessary installations. Lastly, we are working with our logistics suppliers to ensure uninterrupted supply chain as much as possible. You will of course appreciate that, despite enormous efforts, it is not always possible to satisfy this exponentially increasing demand directly and immediately.

Last update: April 1, 2020

FAQ: Service

Will Dräger still be carrying out device training of users before use?

Please appreciate that we are only training key users and avoiding large groups when giving device briefings so as to protect our own employees.

Last update: April 14, 2020

One of our employees tested positive for corona and had contact with Dräger. What should I do?

If it should turn out that one of your employees who was in contact with our service technician today tested positive for COVID-19, please inform your contact at Dräger immediately so that we can take the necessary measures.

Last update: March 27, 2020

Will Dräger service operations be maintained?

We will maintain our service operations for as long as possible and prioritize the functionality of our products and services. The focus will be on repairs and maintenance necessary for critical operations; all other routine activities will be of secondary importance. Of course, the safety of our customers, patients and employees is also important to us so that we are able to meet our social responsibility.

Last update: March 27, 2020

Can I suspend contractual inspection and maintenance appointments to avoid additional contacts?

At this time, some routine maintenance appointments may be rescheduled at the discretion of the hospital. We respect your concerns and we will suspend maintenance and testing currently scheduled to take place on your premises for as long as you deem it necessary. Please note, that this will not lead to a suspension of your payment obligations and that your legal obligations remain unaffected (e.g. under the Medical Device Directive).

We will do the suspended tests at a later stage or carry them out at contractually agreed intervals as soon as you indicate to us that we should resume our work. Note that there may be delays after resumption of our work as a result of the suspension.

Please be aware that ensuring that medical equipment is serviced and maintained properly is critical to its use. We recommend that all Draeger equipment be serviced within the proper timeframe and in accordance with our published specifications.

Last update: March 27, 2020

Safety Protection

Breathing Masks and Powered Air Purifying Respirators: Handling

Breathing Masks: Handling

Dräger X-plore® 1300

Video - How to use

Dräger X-plore® 1700

Video - How to use

Dräger X-plore® 3300 / 3500

Video - How to use

Dräger X-plore® 2100

Video - How to use

Filtering Face Pieces Disinfection and Respiratory Filters Disinfection/Reuse

Disinfection of Filtering Face Pieces

Statement on disinfection of Filtering Face Pieces

Disinfection / reuse of respiratory filters

Statement on disinfection / reuse of respiratory filters

Procedures and specifications for cleaning and disinfection of Dräger Personal Protective Equipment

Overview: Procedures and specifications for cleaning and disinfection of Dräger Personal Protective Equipment

Powered Air Purifying Respirators: Handling and Cleaning

Dräger X-plore 8000

Video - How to use

Powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) approvals regarding filter performance

General information on powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) approvals with regard to filter performance (PDF)

View information sheet (PDF)

Wearing protective equipment alone is no guarantee for protection against bacteria, viruses or biologically-contaminated fluids! Only correct dressing and undressing as well as thorough disinfection, in addition to wearing protective equipment, protects the wearer from possible infection and spread of contamination.

Protective Suits: Handling

CPS 5900

Learn More

All Suits

Safe handling of contaminated personal protective equipment (PDF)

Cleaning & Disinfection Agents

Alcohol & drug testing

Please select from the following:

Cleaning and Disinfection

Recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting portable gas detection devices

Clinical Guidance from International Organisations

Product Related Questions Only

Due to the corona crisis we are currently receiving significantly more enquiries. Please use this form only if you have specific questions about handling and reprocessing of the products listed here. For other enquiries please use our general contact form.

Dräger's Important Information During the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak

Useful Content

Medical Devices

Supply Systems and Lights

Accessory Use Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

FAQ: General Questions

FAQ: Medical Devices

FAQ: Personal Protection

FAQs: Delivery

FAQ: Service

Safety Protection

Breathing Masks and Powered Air Purifying Respirators: Handling

Breathing Masks: Handling

Dräger X-plore® 1300

Dräger X-plore® 1700

Dräger X-plore® 3300 / 3500

Dräger X-plore® 2100

Disinfection of Filtering Face Pieces

Disinfection / reuse of respiratory filters

Procedures and specifications for cleaning and disinfection of Dräger Personal Protective Equipment

Powered Air Purifying Respirators: Handling and Cleaning

Dräger X-plore 8000

Powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) approvals regarding filter performance

Protective Suits: Handling

CPS 5900

All Suits

Cleaning & Disinfection Agents

Alcohol & drug testing

Cleaning and Disinfection

Related Links

Product Related Questions Only