Anesthesia Technician Practice Exam

What does a negative pressure leak test involve?

1. Using a vacuum pump to check for leaks

2. Observing for bubbles in submersion

3. Injecting air to test flow

4. Measuring pressure drop

The correct answer is: Using a vacuum pump to check for leaks

A negative pressure leak test involves using a vacuum pump to create a negative pressure within a system or container to check for leaks. This method is effective in identifying whether any air or gas can enter the system, as a leak would result in a loss of vacuum. The test is particularly useful in ensuring the integrity of systems that require tight seals, such as anesthesia machines and delivery systems. In contrast, the other methods focus on different aspects of leak testing. Observing for bubbles in submersion is a technique used for identifying leaks in submerged objects, which might not be practical for all systems, particularly those that cannot be submerged. Injecting air to test flow is more related to assessing the ability of a system to convey gases rather than its seal integrity. Measuring pressure drop can indicate a leak but does not specifically involve creating a vacuum or determining the leak's presence in the same direct manner as a vacuum pump does.