Station Outlets consist of an outlet port with colour-coded faceplate attached to a medical gas supply line, and primary and secondary check valves which open and close automatically upon use and disengagement from the system. Station Outlets are typically equipped with safety systems that prevent cross-connection errors, such as connecting a Medical air flowmeter to an Oxygen port. Hospitals mainly use DISS connections, though a wide variety of quick-connect adapters, based on male strikers and female outlet ports, are still in use today. These latter types are easier to connect, but are more prone to leaks and failure.
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Diameter Index Safety System (DISS)
The Diameter Index Safety System, or DISS, was designed by the Compressed Gas Association specifically for medical gases at 200 psig or less. It uses unique, gas-specific threaded connections to fit equipment to station outlets. It is also used for the connection of additional features to equipment, such as in fixing a suction canister to a suction (Medical vacuum) regulator. Although DISS takes more time to affix, this has become the most popular choice as a threaded connection cannot disengage on its own.
Ohio/Ohmeda Quick-Connect
The female outlet port for the Ohio system consists of a disk with slots placed at positions unique to each specific gas. After insertion, male strikers may be disengaged by twisting the inlet so as to activate a spring-release mechanism. The flat outlet ports ensure no injury if a patient or health-care worker should fall into the wall; a consideration when dealing with the mentally ill or those with neuro- or musculodegenerative disorders. However, the twisting of the disengage mechanism may result in the tangling of wires or other equipment in crowded areas.
NCG/Chemetron
The NCG system resembles a simple electrical plug in appearance. Although it is very easy to connect and disconnect, this advantage poses a risk since should it be dislodged accidentally. Additionally, its straight valve does not allow for the connection of flowmeters, necessitating the purchase and use of additional equipment.
Hansen Schrader
This unusual system consists of steel strikers and ports. The ports have a spring-loaded collar, which will be pulled back to expose a series of balls located on the inner lip of the port. The positioning of these balls is specific to each gas. At this point, the male striker may be inserted. It is possible this system never caught on due to its lack of colour-coding and labels, along with the difficulty of engaging the striker.
Oxequip Medstar/Canadian Liquid Air (CLA) bayonets
These consist of steel strikers with holes for inlet ports. Like keys, the strikers have grooves and ridges in variable positions. They lack colour-coding and are easily disengaged.