A recent article from the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) highlighted how moisture accumulation inside anesthesia machines can contribute to maintenance challenges and, in certain cases, mold growth within ventilator components.¹ This moisture not only leads to maintenance challenges, but also safety concerns for patients. While moisture is an expected byproduct of low-flow anesthesia, reducing contributing factors within the breathing system can help support cleaner, more controlled operating conditions.

SpiraLithCa® by Micropore was designed specifically to address the limitations of traditional granular CO₂ absorbents, many of which can unintentionally contribute to system contamination and maintenance burden.

Why SpiraLithCa Is Better Equipped for Moisture Management

While moisture is an unavoidable byproduct of anesthesia delivery, the type of CO₂ absorber used can influence the way moisture behaves within the system. Unlike traditional granular absorbents, SpiraLithCa utilizes Solid Absorbent Technology™ to eliminate dust and channeling within the absorbent. These two common issues can contribute to residue buildup and moisture accumulation. Granular absorbents can break down into fine particles that mix with the condensation, forming a sludge, while channeling can create stagnant wet pockets within the absorbent bed. However, SpiraLithCa’s solid, dust-free design helps maintain cleaner equipment and promotes more uniform gas and moisture distribution.²

Additionally, SpiraLithCa resists desiccation during high fresh gas flows, allowing clinicians to flush humidity from the system without compromising absorbent performance. Traditional desiccated granular absorbents have been associated with degradation of volatile anesthetics and the production of compounds such as carbon monoxide and Compound A. ²˒³˒⁴ The result is a cleaner, more consistent absorbent solution that supports low-flow anesthesia while helping reduce maintenance concerns associated with traditional granular absorbents.

SpiraLithCa® At-A-Glance

• No dust and no channeling
• Clear and reliable color change for absorbent life
• Enhanced safety and reduced maintenance
• Cost-effective with superior duration
• Compatible with Dräger, GE, and Mindray anesthesia workstations
• Eco-conscious formulation
• Made in the USA

References:

¹Narayan, Sandeep, and Katie Passaretti. “Moisture, Mold, and More in GE Operating Room Ventilators: System Response and Mitigation.” APSF Newsletter, Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation, 1 Feb. 2026, www.apsf.org/article/moisture-mold-and-more-in-ge-operating-room-ventilators-system-response-and-mitigation/.

²Micropore, Inc. SpiraLithCa® Product Information and Solid Absorbent Technology™ Technical Literature. Micropore, Inc., n.d.

³Dorsch, Jerry A., and Susan E. Dorsch. Understanding Anesthesia Equipment. 6th ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012.

⁴Baxter, Alan D., et al. “Production of Carbon Monoxide and Compound A by Desiccated Carbon Dioxide Absorbents.” Anesthesiology, vol. 89, no. 4, 1998, pp. 929–941.

For more information or an evaluation of SpiraLithCa® Absorbent contact your local MED Alliance Group sales representative, call 888-891-1200 or email us.

MED Alliance Group is a medical device distributor that has been dedicated to meeting the needs of our clinical customers and manufacturing partners since 1998. We specialize in the sales, marketing, importation, logistics and distribution of innovative, high-quality and cost-effective products found in anesthesia and respiratory, blood and transfusion therapy, EMS and emergency room, interventional radiology and cath lab, iv and vascular, as well as NICU and PICU.

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