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 and medical equipment in facing this global challenge.
On this page, we would like to answer some of the most frequent questions and show you product and application information about the usage and the reprocessing of Dräger medical devices and safety protection equipment.
Official Announcement
The devastating second wave of Covid-19 in India has forced us to innovate and transform our processes across business functions. There are pertinent lessons from the first wave that will enable us to support India better.
We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in India and healthcare workers treating patients across the country.
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 (KRITIS) in Germany. 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 certificate 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: 27.03.2020
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 fully utilised. 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 enquiries is rising dramatically, so our production capacities are fully utilised and we have to prioritise deliveries/orders accordingly. This we are doing 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 organisation 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: 27.03.2020
Currently there is a sharp increase in the demand for products such as protective clothing and respiratory equipment supplied by Dräger. The demand exceeds our current production capacity. At the present time, it is not possible to judge whether this is in fact a sustained increase in demand or the moving forward of investments that were already planned.
Last update: 27.03.2020
With the European Union's Commission Implementing Regulation (2020/402) dated 14 March 2020 regarding the requirement to present an export license when exporting certain products, a licensing requirement was introduced for the export of medical protective equipment to third countries.
The licensing requirement applies to exports (i.e. deliveries outside the EU). Deliveries within the European Union are not restricted by the regulation.
The national order of 12 March 2020 (BAnz AT 12.03.2020 B1) imposing restrictions on foreign trade in certain goods, which also applied to deliveries within the EU, was lifted in view of the uniform EU procedure.
The UK continues to be treated as a member of EU during the Brexit transition phase until 31.12.2020.
Last update: 01.04.2020
FAQ: Medical Devices (Updated Regularly)
—Reprocessing, Disinfection and the Use of Filters
The following information and recommendations are targeted for ICU, OR and NICU warming therapy devices from Dräger that were used on patients infected or highly suspected to be infected with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
Last update: 04.08.2020
Information on retention rates of Dräger filter efficiency.
Last update: 20.03.2020
It is only technically possible to use breathing system filters (BSF) in combination with adapters on a neonatal expiratory valve. Expiratory filters used in combination with active humidification may increase the expiratory resistance. For the operator, a risk-benefit analysis per patient case must be done with regard to the corresponding limitations and requirements for use outside the intended purpose (off-label use). The combination of an expiratory filter and neonatal expiratory valve is not approved. Dräger cannot and must therefore not make any fundamental recommendation.
As a manufacturer of medical and safety technology, Dräger is aware of its 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.
Last update: 03.04.2020
The following information relates to ventilation devices from Dräger using ambient air for the patient breathing gas.
Last update: 03.04.2020
You will find information on reprocessing medical accessories further down on this page in the relevant product section.
Last update: 27.03.2020
You will find information on reprocessing medical devices further down on this page in the relevant product section or in our reprocessing booklet.
Last update: 15.04.2020
In Case of Equipment Limitations
Dräger ventilators are generally specified to be operated with a high-pressure oxygen source with a concentration of 100% oxygen.
In case that a Dräger ventilator is used with oxygen 93 the device will not achieve all specifications or accuracies stated in the instructions for use. Using ventilators with oxygen 93 would therefore be regarded as an off-label use carried out by the user under his sole responsibility.
Due to calibration with oxygen 93 instead of oxygen 100 the delivered FiO2 can be lower by up to 11%. This must be considered when setting FiO2. Undesired alarms and other effects can occur.
For detailed legal, regulatory and application information please read the following document below.
Last update: 16.04.2020
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 alternative devices are fully utilized and there is no other ventilator option. 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.
Last update: 25.03.2020
It is technically possible to perform long-term ventilation with an anaesthesia machine as an alternative ventilator when existing ventilators are fully utilized and there is no other ventilator option. For the operator, however, a risk-benefit analysis per patient case must be done with regard to the corresponding limitations and requirements for use outside the intended purpose (off-label use) of Dräger anaesthesia machines as defined in the Instructions for Use. Dräger cannot and must therefore not make any fundamental recommendation for the use of anaesthesia machines for long-term ventilation of intensive care patients.
As a manufacturer of medical and safety technology, Dräger is aware of its responsibility to protect, support and save lives. For this reason, health care facilities can get detailed information on legal and regulatory issues as well as on the possible applications of Dräger anaesthesia devices for long-term ventilation. Please review the document below for more information.
We have also created an overview of ventilation modes in critical care ventilators along with naming used on the different Dräger anaesthesia devices. Please see document below.
Last update: 29.04.2020
Recently many customers and health care professionals approached us to obtain information about possibly using Dräger Oxylog emergency and transport ventilators for long-term ventilation as an alternative ventilator when existing devices are fully utilized and there is no other ventilator option. 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 Oxylog emergency and transport ventilators for long-term ventilation.
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 Draeger ventilators is as a single patient item to ensure safe and reliable management of the respiratory failure patient that requires mechanical ventilation.
Last update: 27.03.2020
In general it is possible to use the Babylog ventilators to ventilate paediatric patients, as Dräger Babylog ventilators are intended and approved for the ventilation of premature and term neonates and paediatric patients. However, there is a limitation in the height/weight of paediatric patients. If bigger paediatric patients shall be ventilated with Babylog ventilators, a risk-benefit analysis per patient case must be done with regard to the corresponding limitations and requirements for use outside the intended purpose (off-label use). Dräger cannot and must therefore not make any fundamental recommendation.
As a manufacturer of medical and safety technology, Dräger is aware of its responsibility to provide some insights both (I) on the legal and regulatory perspective as well as (II) related to the use of Dräger Babylog ventilator products.
Last update: 08.04.2020
Product Information
In order to prevent the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus via the anaesthesia machine, mechanical filters or HMEFs with mechanical filter media should be placed at defined positions.
The correct placement depends on the patient group and the breathing system filters and HMEFs used. In this context, please consider the reprocessing instructions when changing patients in particular, when filters or HMEFs could not be used as recommended.
Follow the Instuctions for Use, in particular the chapter Reprocessing. Follow the occupational safety and reprocessing guidelines of the hospital and local/national health authorities. Based on the individual situation/assessment, it is up to hospital hygiene requirements to decide on the appropriate measures.
The current situation in Germany 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.
We are therefore willing to put your old out-of-service medical devices back into operation. However, we must point out that we can only carry out a functional test of the devices in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and that we are not responsible for any repairs, maintenance, replacement of spare parts or other actions carried out prior to recommissioning. Improper repairs or replacement parts can lead to unforeseen damage or failure of the unit. If you have any questions, please get in touch with your contact at Dräger in the usual way.
Last update: 27.03.2020
The WHO has indicated high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) therapy as treatment of selected patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure of COVID-19 Patients. For more information please read the following document below.
Last update: 04.05.2020
Clinical Guidance
Dräger does not give clinical guidance. Please refer to the societies and organisations listed in the link section for further information, best practices and clinical guidance.
Last update: 27.03.2020
We hosted a webinar and Q&A interview session with Prof. Giacomo Grasselli, Associate Professor of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine at the University of Milan, to talk about his experiences and lessons learned with COVID-19 patients in the Lombardy area. You can access the recordings below.
We hosted a webinar with Dr. Luigi Camporota, Intensivist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and clinical lead for the Severe Respiratory Failure and ECMO service at St Thomas’ Hospital. During the session Dr. Camporota talked about his experiences and gave practical advice on the topic of the Different phenotypes and approaches in Covid-19 patients. You can access the recording below.
We hosted a webinar with Prof. Paolo Navalesi, Full Professor of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine at the Department of Medicine of the University of Padua (Italy) and Director of Anesthesia and Intensive Care at the University Hospital of Padua. During the session, Prof. Navalesi talked about his experiences and gave practical advice on the topic of ventilator settings and the weaning of COVID-19 patients. You can access the recording below.
Customer Letters
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.
Last update: 27.03.2020
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 alternative devices are fully utilised and there is no other ventilator option. 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.
Last update: 25.03.2020
The following information relates to ventilation devices from Dräger using ambient air for the patient breathing gas.
Last update: 29.04.2020
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: 30.03.2020
Information and recommendations for Dräger Anaesthesia workstations that were used on patients infected or highly suspected to be infected with the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
Please find more materials explaining how to clean and reprocess our devices below.
Last update: 08.05.2020
Information on retention rates of Dräger filter efficiency.
Last update: 08.04.2020
The following information and recommendations are targeted for Neonatal Intensive Care devices from Dräger.
Please find more materials explaining how to clean and reprocess our devices below.
Last update: 27.03.2020
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: 08.04.2020
As a manufacturer, Dräger advises against the use of expired FFPs and breathing filters. No general statements can be made about the extent to which they still have their actual protective performance. For example, an expired FFP3 may no longer have the normative protective performance of an FFP3. The reason for this is the electrostatic property of the filter material, which decreases over the years. However, only a test in an approved laboratory with the appropriate equipment can provide information on the basic standard EN 149, which is used to check and measure the current performance
Last update: 02.04.2020
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.
Last update: 31.03.2020
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. 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.
Last update: 31.03.2020
FAQs: Delivery
—We will continue to deliver our products and provide our services for as long as we can. We are coordinating with the authorities so as to be able to continue working even under difficult conditions. To this end, we have increased our production but we are also urging our colleagues on site to carry out the necessary installations with the highest priority.
We very much regret that we are currently unable to make any reliable statements about possible delivery dates for your order.
Unfortunately, our capacities are currently at their limits due to the coronavirus. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you.
Last update: 27.03.2020
Within the scope of our capacities and subject to any official orders, we will continue to try to supply our products for medical care and personal protective equipment. To this end, we have increased our production along the entire value chain, also involving suppliers, and have taken various organisational measures to protect our employees in the best possible way and maintain the company's capacity to act.
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: 27.03.2020
FAQ: Service
—Please appreciate that we are only training key users and avoiding large groups when giving initial trainings so as to protect our own employees.
Last update: 07.04.2020
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: 27.03.2020
We will maintain our service operations for as long as possible and prioritise the functionality of our products and services. The focus will be on repairs; 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: 27.03.2020
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 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.
The instructions for use on this website are published for information purposes only. For each product we provide the English instructions for use for the latest software version. Please check the software version of your Dräger device before reading and using the instructions for use on this website.
Please call your local Dräger representative or contact your local Dräger Service if you require other instructions for use for different software or language versions.
Medical Devices
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Device Configurators for V-Class Ventilators
Recommended Device Configurations for V-Class Ventilators
Accessory Use Instructions
—Guidelines
Application Videos
More information
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Workplaces & Gas Supply
—Guidelines & Recommendations
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.
Safety Protection
—Breathing Masks and Powered Air Purifying Respirators: Handling
—Breathing Masks: Handling
Dräger X-plore® 1300
Dräger X-plore® 1700
Dräger X-plore® 1900
Dräger X-plore® 3300 / 3500
Filtering Face Pieces Disinfection and Respiratory Filters Disinfection/Reuse
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
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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SPC 4400
SPC 4800
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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Eyewear: Handling and Cleaning
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X-pect 8500
Related Links
—Clinical Guidance from International Organisations
Contact us
—Press & Media Contact
Melanie Kamann
- Spokeswoman -
Tel.: +49 451 882-3202
Fax: +49 451 882-3944
E-Mail: melanie.kamann@draeger.com