Clinical Uses
A Capnometer, which displays only the End Tidal CO2, can aid in diagnosing Venous CO2 embolism, increased cardiac output, hypo ventilation, partial airway obstruction, cardiac arrest, and proper bronchial intubation. This can be determined as the ETCO2 increases or decreases. The normal values for the ETCO2 range from 35-45 mmHg. Value above or below these values can show hypoventilation or hyperventilation, respectively. Capnography can show immediate changes where other diagnostic equipment such as pulse oximetry can be delayed by a few minutes.
Capnogram for a Normal Patient
This picture shows the various waveforms associated with the Capnograpm. Variations in each of the phases can help diagnose different illnesses. The different waveforms for different illnesses can be seen here.