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: January 4, 2021
Latest Dräger News
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Medical Devices
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Operating pressure for air and O2 supply can range from 39 psi to 87 psi.
Operating pressure for air and O2 supply can range from 39 psi to 87 psi.
Please select from the following:
Operating pressure for the O2 supply can range from 43.5 psi to 87 psi.
Operating pressure for the O2 supply can range from 40 psi to 87 psi or 1-10 lpm low flow.
Please select from the following:
Customer Letters and Resources
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).
The following information relates to ventilation devices from Dräger using ambient air for the patient breathing gas.
Last update: April 4, 2020
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Please select from the following:
Please select from the following:
Customer Letters and Resources
Information and recommendations for Dräger Anesthesia workstations that were used on patients infected or highly suspected to be infected with COVID-19.
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.
Guidelines
Customer Letters and Resources
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).
Please select from the following:
Please select from the following:
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Customer Letters and Resources
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.
Supply Systems and Lights
—Customer Letters and Resources
Accessory Use Instructions
—Guidelines
Application Videos
Customer Letters and Resources
Information on infection prevention measures on our WaterLock 2.
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.
Updated: April 3, 2020
Overview of breathing system filters / heat and moisture exchangers for ventilators, emergency and transport ventilators, neonatal ventilators
Information on retention rates of Dräger filter efficiency.
Information on reprocessing neonatal flow sensors.
Information on reprocessing Spirolog and Infinity ID expiratory flow sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
—FAQ: General Questions
—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
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
—- 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
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
You will find information on reprocessing medical devices above in the relevant product section.
Last update: March 27, 2020
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
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
No, this is not possible.
Last update: April 1, 2020
FAQ: Personal Protection
—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
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
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).
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.
FAQs: Delivery
—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
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
—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
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
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
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
Dräger X-plore® 1750
Dräger X-plore® 3300 / 3500
Dräger X-plore® 2100
Filtering Face Pieces Disinfection and Respiratory Filters Disinfection/Reuse
Disinfection of Filtering Face Pieces
Disinfection / reuse of respiratory filters
Powered Air Purifying Respirators: Handling and Cleaning
Dräger X-plore 8000
Powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) approvals regarding filter performance
General information on powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) approvals with regard to filter performance (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
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CPS 5900
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.
Cleaning & Disinfection Agents
—Alcohol & drug testing
—Cleaning and Disinfection
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Related Links
—Clinical Guidance from International Organisations
Contact us
—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.
Press & Media Contact
Press & Media Contact
Marion Varec
Public Relations Manager, North America
215.660.2186
Marion.Varec@draeger.com