Abstract:
A portable medical gas system tester is small, lightweight, sturdy, self-contained and portable and can be either pen-activated and/or voice-activated so that it can be operated in the field by just one person. The device can test, collect and interpret data from all medical gas components, such as outlets, valves, alarms, central sources of supply and emergency low pressure oxygen fill connections, and with all medical gases including oxygen, air, vacuum, waste anesthetic gas disposal, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide/oxygen mixtures. The device has a computer, a digital display device, an analog to digital converter, a gas sensor, a pressure and vacuum transducer coupled to the gas sensor, and an oxygen transducer coupled to the gas sensor, an exhaust outlet for venting excess gases to outside of the device&#39;s case, a bi-directional flow sensor coupled to gas sensor, and a flow transducer coupled to the flow sensor. The computer analyzes and interprets the electrical signals relative to predetermined values and generates a digital display for an operator to view.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of medical gas system testers. More particularly, this invention relates to apparatus and equipment for testing characteristics of gas outlets, valves, alarms and sources of supply at medical facilities. 
     Medical gas systems deliver life-support gases throughout health care facilities (hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, dental offices, free-standing surgical centers, etc.) to outlets in patient care areas, for connection to medical devices such as ventilators and anesthesia machines. The gases are transported from central sources of supply, such as oxygen manifolds, through control equipment and piping systems, valves which are primarily for emergency shutoff, and local and master alarm systems. The typical piped medical gases are oxygen, medical air and vacuum, waste anesthetic gas disposal, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide/oxygen mixtures, dental air and vacuum, and medical laboratory air and vacuum. 
     Testing and documentation of newly installed, renovated, repaired or breached medical gas systems, while obviously desirable, is presently required prior to use of those systems by patients. Two agencies that mandate the manner in which medical gas systems must be inspected are the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), which is the primary accrediting agency for healthcare organizations in the United States, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA 99C Standard on Gas and Vacuum Systems, 1996 ed., has been adopted into law by most states and by numerous municipalities and mandates that certain characteristics of these systems be within a certain acceptable range, as certified by periodic inspection and testing. Testing of the medical gas delivery systems includes testing of the various gas lines to determine that the pressure, flow, oxygen concentration, vacuum and gas evacuation (suction) lines meet the proper medical flow or concentration levels and to ensure that these lines are not crossed. 
     Health care facilities generally manually collect the medical gas data that has been gathered in such tests. The methods currently used for collection of this data are cumbersome, inefficient and poorly suited to the emergent nature of the data required. For example, handwritten reports and reports generated by some devices currently in use do not collate and summarize the results, thereby requiring the tester to expend extra time to search through data for hundreds or thousands of medical gas components in order to find defects. Such extended delays in reporting to the facility may compromise patient safety, and the life-support nature of medical gas systems and components makes these delays undesirable and inappropriate. 
     In general, notebook-type portable computers require a convenient surface for the computer to rest during typing. Most patient areas, however, have limited space and accessibility at bedside, providing no room for the operator to rest the computer. Wheeled stands to support the computer are cumbersome and inefficient. At this time, a portable, wearable system for collecting data from all medical gas system components does not presently exist. There is a clear need for such a device that is simple, convenient to use and efficient. 
     At present, individual pressurized gas flow meters that are equipped with pressure gauges are generally custom-assembled in order to functionally test medical gas outlets. One commercially available unit, distributed by the Squire-Cogswell Company under the name 5310 Vac-U-Test, is limited to testing air and vacuum outlets. This device is inefficient and cumbersome to use because separate vacuum flow meters with vacuum gauges must be used for vacuum inlets. Moreover, an oxygen analyzer is also needed, either separately or incorporated into the flow meter/gauge assembly. This device is further inefficient because documentation is carried out with a pencil, paper forms and a clipboard, which means that the operator must release two flow testers from his grip in order to record the data. In addition, the operator must remember numerous subjective problems and NFPA 99 specifications for flow, pressure, alarm low and high activation points, etc. for each of the various gases. In other words, these test points and specifications are not automatically tested and verified. 
     In many instances the collected data for outlets, alarms, valves and gas analysis is incorporated into a typed report for the client. Unfortunately, the hand tabulation that must first be done is time-consuming and results in delays in submitting the report. Therefore, in most instances, the health care facility receives only limited rough data with a cover page. Presently, most testing companies and hospitals provide few exception findings and do not recommend corrective action. At least one testing company is known to have the data manually typed into a notebook computer for later presentation to the client. Unfortunately, the spreadsheet format in which the data is presented restricts the amount and types of data that can be collected, and, again, exception findings are very limited, with no recommendations being given for corrective action. Therefore, because the data collection device is not a database, its value is limited to manual data collection and presentation. 
     One other commercially available medical gas tester is a portable, wearable device sold by National Safety Technologies, Inc. (NST) under the name G2500 Medical Gas Outlet Analyzer. This device is not used by many in the industry, presumably because the inputting of identifier data is done slowly and inefficiently, as each individual letter of the alphabet must be found by use of directional arrows and then displayed. Also, the choice of subjective findings is limited, and the device does not accurately analyze or record oxygen concentration for pressurized outlets, as required by NFPA 99 and others. In addition, this device can test only outlets, but not all other required components of a medical gas system, such as valves, alarms and central sources of supply, as required by NFPA 99 and others. 
     Also, the reports generated by this device do not collate or summarize the results. This means that valuable extra time is required in order for the person reviewing the reports to search through data for many medical gas components in order to locate defects. Furthermore, the NST device is not sufficient because storage of input is limited to 1,500 outlets at a time. Thus, because data must be downloaded to a host computer periodically, it is impractical for use by larger hospitals that have 5,000 or more outlets. Finally, in order to generate a report or to view more than several outlets at once, the information and data gathered by the NST device must be downloaded to a personal computer running special NST software. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a medical gas system tester that solves all these inefficiencies and deficiencies. It is desirable to provide a medical gas system testing computer that is hand-held and portable and that can test, collect, enter and interpret data from all medical gas sources and components. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide a medical gas system tester that is portable and hand-held. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a medical gas system tester that can efficiently test, collect and interpret all data from medical gas components at a medical facility. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a medical gas system tester that can collate, summarize and analyze test data collected and prepare reports based thereon. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a medical system tester that, due to its portability and ease of use, allows an operator with limited computer and keyboard skills to quickly, efficiently and cost effectively test all medical gas components in health care facilities. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a medical gas system tester that can record all data presently required for compliance with the NFPA 99 Standard for certifications, periodic inspections, repairs of defective components and consultations. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a medical gas system tester that can be used in patient care areas and also in mechanical rooms, manifold rooms, as well as outside at bulk oxygen sites where wheeled stands are impractical. 
     In accordance with these and other objects of the invention, the portable medical gas system tester of the present invention is small in size, light in weight, sturdy in construction, self-contained and portable so that it can be transported and operated in various medical and other facilities. In addition, the portable medical gas tester is designed to be user friendly and battery-powered and can be either pen-activated and/or voice-activated so that it can be operated in the field, i.e., at medical facilities, by just one person. This portable gas system tester has the ability to test, collect and interpret data from all medical gas components, such as outlets, valves, alarms, central sources of supply and emergency low pressure oxygen fill connections. Sources of supply include medical air compressors, vacuum pumps, waste anesthetic gas disposal pumps, gas manifolds and bulk liquefied gas supplies. The tester is designed to function with all dental, medical laboratory and health care facility medical gases including oxygen, air, vacuum, waste anesthetic gas disposal, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide/oxygen mixtures. Flow for gases of differing densities, such as nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide, is compensated for by the software program. The cross connection tests and outlet/inlet repair documentation required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 99 Standard for Health Care Facilities are also performed. The software further allows for documentation of field and laboratory data. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the medical gas system testing apparatus of the present invention has the capability of multiple function testing and analysis of medical gas dispensing systems. Such an apparatus comprises a computer, a digital display device such as a screen, an analog to digital converter whose output is connected to the digital display, a gas sensor for sensing gas data from medical gas dispensing systems, a pressure and vacuum transducer coupled to the gas sensor for producing an electrical signal related to the gas pressure or vacuum sensed by the sensing device and transmitting the signal to the computer, and an oxygen transducer coupled to the gas sensor for producing an electrical signal related to the concentration of oxygen sensed by the gas sensor and transmitting the signal to the computer. The apparatus also has an exhaust outlet for venting excess oxidizing and other gases to outside of the device&#39;s case, a bidirectional flow sensor coupled to gas sensor for sensing the rate of gas flow from medical gas dispensing systems, and a flow transducer coupled to the flow sensor for producing an electrical signal related to the gas flow rate and transmitting the signal to the computer. The computer analyzes and interprets the electrical signals relative to predetermined values and generates a digital display for an operator to view. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the reference characters refer to like parts throughout and in which: 
     FIG. 1 shows graphical representation of an operator using one embodiment of the medical gas system testing apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 shows an electrical block diagram of the components of the medical gas tester of the invention; 
     FIG. 3 shows a pneumatic block diagram of the components of this invention; 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B shows a flow chart of the steps of outlet data acquisition; 
     FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of the steps of valve data collection; and 
     FIGS. 6A and 6B show a flow chart of the steps of master and area alarm data collection. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, the portable medical gas system tester of the present invention has several primary components. The apparatus has a housing  100 , within which is a computer or microprocessor  110 . Computer  110  can be one of many that are well-known in the art that are suitable for the particlur functions discussed herein. In the preferred embodiment, computer  110  is a commercially-available Pentium®-based, 1.6 GB internal hard drive tablet computer with a Windows® operating system. Computer  110  is also equipped with a hard drive memory for long term data storage a random access memory (RAM) for short term data storage. Computer  110  can store all the collected data from numerous large medical centers due to the large storage capacity of its hard drive. 
     Computer  110  is coupled to a proprietary outlet analyzer  30  for analysis of all data that is collected by outlet analyzer  30 . Data is transferred from outlet analyzer  30  to computer  110  by any of the known means in the art. In the preferred embodiment, this link is made via a flexible umbilical electrical cable  55 . Field gas analysis instruments that export data via an RS232 connector can be connected to computer  100  via cable to the computer&#39;s RS232 connection (not shown). 
     Computer  110  is preferably adapted to process custom application, data collection and report generation software, as will be discussed more fully below. For convenience of the operator and ease of input, the preferred embodiment of the device also utilizes several effort-saving devices, such as a pen  120  for input of data onto a screen  111 . Pen  120  allows the operator to enter data without having to manually type data, by any of the well known pen/screen input methods such as light, pressure, flux and others. A PCMCIA data acquisition analog-to-digital converter and input/output card  60  cooperate to accept input for computer  110 . In addition, a PCMCIA fax/modem card  130  can be inserted for remote data transmission and acquisition. 
     Computer  110  can also utilize a detachable headset  80 , which includes an earpiece speaker  81  and miniature microphone  82  and is connected to the audio jacks of computer  110  for voice command input during outlet testing and for other functions as needed. Use of voice commands in cooperation with voice recognition software allows computer  110  to be operated in a “hands-free” mode, thereby freeing the operator&#39;s hands for inserting outlet analyzer  30  into outlets and inlets as needed. The use of headset  80  also allows for automated documentation of test results, which greatly increases productivity, thereby decreasing costs to health care facilities. 
     Two additional peripherals can be used with computer  110  in order to increase its functionality are a cellular or land-line telephone  140  and a portable printer  150 . Cellular or land-line telephone  140  can be connected to fax/modem card  130  with a phone line as needed such that data files or entire reports can be transmitted to a remote personal computer or network for storage or printing. Similarly, the data or reports can be transmitted via telephone  140  from computer  110  for printout on a remote fax machine. Thus, at the end of a session, project, work day or other period, information can be downloaded to a host computer for integration of test reports from multiple devices. 
     Portable printer  150  is used to print on-site reports. Printer  150  is connected to computer  110  via a wireless infrared port or via a standard printer cable to the computer&#39;s serial or parallel port. Printer  150  enables medical gas computer  110  to act as a stand alone system. 
     Computer  110  can also exchange collected data from other medical gas testing computers by way of an infrared transfer port  115 . This is accomplished by placing two computers within one meter of each other&#39;s infrared transfer ports  115  such that data can be exchanged via infrared transfer. This enables a single medical gas testing computer  100  to generate an integrated and collated on-site report when multiple (unlimited) computers are used in the same facility. In addition, computer  110  can download data and files to a host personal computer for report generation and for integration with data that was collected previously for a specific healthcare facility. 
     The medical gas system testing device  100  of the current invention can be used as a hands-free wearable device during outlet and inlet testing, as illustrated in FIG. 1, by means of a custom neck strap  116  and belt attachments  117 . Testing of other medical gas components can be performed in either the hand-held or the wearable configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the component-filled housing  100  is small and lightweight. In one most preferred embodiment, the device  100  could weigh less than four pounds and be approximately 11″×7½″×2″ in size. Outlet analyzer  30 , which contains the pneumatic flow train and electronic circuitry as discussed below, should be similarly small in size, being less than 3½″×7″×2″ in size and weighing less than approximately 36 ounces in one most preferred embodiment. The small and compact size of both the main housing  100  and outlet analyzer  30  allows this device to be easily carried from site to site and most conveniently worn about the operator&#39;s neck or at the operator&#39;s belt region. 
     Outlet analyzer  30  receives electrical power, preferably 5 Volts DC, from computer housing  100  via PCMCIA data acquisition, analog-to-digital converter and input/output card  60  by way of cable  55 . The amplifier circuit board  40 , which preferably includes a 12 Volt DC power regulation circuit, provides 12 Volts DC to amplifier circuit board  40  itself and to flow transducer  20 . Alternatively, a power regulation circuit can be separate and apart from amplifier circuit board  40  and provide 12 Volts DC to amplifier circuit board  40  and to flow transducer  20 . 
     As shown more particularly in FIG. 3, outlet analyzer  30  has a case or housing  31  to the exterior of which a medical gas specific interchangeable wall adapter  2 , 4  is attached. Quick connect adapters  2  are interchangeable adapters that can be attached to the in/out gas port  4  of outlet analyzer  30  in order to allow analyzer  30  to connect to different gas ports. Typically, the wall adapters have a male quick connect adapter  2  which mates with a female quick connect inlet adapter  4  on analyzer  30  so that mating is simple. It should be noted that, typically, each of the various medical gas outlets, such as oxygen, air, vacuum, etc., has a different port so that the same inlet port cannot be connected to each, and an adapter is required. Once the adapter is connected, the operator signals to computer  110  that, for example, oxygen is being sensed, and certain channels will be activated. One such type of quick-connect outlet is a Chemetron-type medical gas wall/ceiling outlets, which is gas specific for the services indicated and accepts only corresponding Chemetron-type quick-connect adapters. 
     Outlet analyzer  30  also has a manually controlled ball valve  8  pneumatically coupled to the outlet adapter  4 , a bidirectional flow sensor  16 , two flow transducer tubes  25 , a connecting adapter  17 , and an exhaust outlet  18 . A bi-directional flow sensor  16  is necessary, although separate uni-directional flow sensors can be used, in order to measure both pressure (positive gas flow) and vacuum (negative gas flow) accurately. High pressure connectors and tubing  9  connect a restrictor  12  to an oxygen transducer  14 , and, via exhaust tubing  5 , to outside the outlet analyzer case  31 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, Outlet analyzer  30  further consists of a pressure/vacuum transducer  10 , a differential flow transducer  20 , a proprietary power regulation, amplifier and signal conditioning circuit board  40 , an umbilical cable connector  51  and an optional light emitting diode (LED)  52 . 
     In this invention, the medical gas system testing device can perform the functions of inspection, testing and data collection of medical gas inlet and outlets, valves, alarms, central sources of supply with associated central devices, emergency low pressure oxygen fill systems, and gas analysis. All of these functions are accomplished using proprietary software. In the preferred embodiment, the software program is designed to provide specific on-screen  111  prompts to the operator during each function and to interpret responses based upon the type of testing being performed, such as certification, periodic inspection, repair or consultation. The software program further distinguishes the NFPA 99 edition year specifications to which the certification is being performed such that the parameters are automatically changed depending on the edition year used. In one embodiment, for example, the edition year is entered by the operator prior to the certification/inspection, and the software program automatically flags out-of-specification inputs, provides line item detail, a summary of findings and cost-effective recommendations for each medical gas component. 
     In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the software program interprets the collected data and compares it to the requirements of different editions of the NFPA 99 medical gas system certifications and periodic inspections standard. The software program automatically flags out-of-specification data inputs with an appropriate warning, provides line item detail, a summary of findings and cost effective recommendations for each finding. 
     In a most preferred embodiment of the invention, data input collection is accomplished primarily through pre-defined, easy-to-use menus and multiple choice selections that are selected by the operator by pointing to the appropriate choice on computer screen  111  with pen  120 . The few choices that require non-programmed responses are entered into a custom-designed pull-down on-screen  111  keyboard, onto which information is “typed” using pen  120 . Alternately, the operator may “write” letters onto screen  111  in print using pen  120 . The handwriting recognition program converts the “handwritten” printed letters into words that are “understood” and processed. 
     The proprietary software should be specifically designed for fast data collection and for use by an operator with limited computer and keyboarding experience. Audio/visual alerts are built into the software to alert the operator to take additional action in selected, dangerous situations, such as an instruction for the operator to “Place DO NOT USE TAG” on a defective or inoperative warning alarm. Audio/visual alerts are also activated where common errors are known to occur in the inspection process. 
     As discussed above, the medical gas testing computer device can also be used as a stand alone system when connected to a portable printer  150  for on-site generated reports. Also, data can be downloaded to a host computer for integration with the facilities&#39; previously collected data and for generation of reports. Information can also be transmitted into computer  110  by fax or modem  130  via the internal PCMCIA card  60  when connected to a cellular, portable or land line phone  140 . 
     The device operates to measure gas data as follows. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a medical gas specific interchangeable wall adapter  2  with a male or female quick-connect adapter is inserted into the mating quick-connect inlet adapter  4  of outlet analyzer  30 . The proper adapter must be used for vacuum or flow and for the specific gas measured. The operator then attaches interchangeable wall adapter  2  to a medical gas outlet  1  or vacuum inlet  1 , which transmits pressure or vacuum via high pressure connectors and tubing  9  to the static pressure/vacuum transducer  10 . Transducer  10  produces an electrical signal proportional to the static pressure (from 0 to 200 psig) and static vacuum (0 to −29 inches of mercury) applied to it. This electrical signal is transmitted to the outlet analyzer amplifier and signal conditioning circuit board  40 , then, via the flexible umbilical electrical cable  55  to the PCMCIA data acquisition, analog to digital converter and input/output card  60 , inserted into the computer  110 , for processing by the system&#39;s proprietary software program. 
     Pressure is also transmitted to a calibrated flow restrictor  12  which significantly decreases the flow and pressure to the oxygen transducer  14 . Excess gas is transferred to the atmosphere outside the outlet analyzer case  31  via exhaust tubing  5  in order to decrease the likelihood of oxidizing gases accumulating within outlet analyzer case  31 . Ball valve  8 , which is normally closed, prevents pressure or vacuum from passing beyond this point. 
     Flow is captured differently by computer  110  and the sensor head for pressurized gases and for vacuum, based upon the applicable pressure and vacuum standard of NFPA 99. The choice of which formulae and processes are to be used by outlet analyzer  30  and computer  110  are determined by the type of voice gas command previously stated by the operator and confirmed by the output of transducers  10 , 20 . 
     For pressurized gases, positive gas flow is measured as follows, as mandated by NFPA 99. Once interchangeable wall adapter  2  to a medical gas outlet  1  are connected, static pressure/vacuum transducer  10  instantaneously measures the static gas pressure. The operator then, manually and slowly, partially opens ball valve  8  to cause gas to flow through bi-directional flow sensor  16 . When the pressure drops 5 psig from the initial static pressure reading, as sensed in real time by static pressure/vacuum transducer  10  and associated hardware  40 ,  55 ,  60 ,  100  and proprietary software; the flow rate—30 to 300 liters per minute (LPM)—is measured in real time by means of the differential pressure generated across flow sensor  16 . The pressure is transmitted from flow sensor  16  to flow transducer  20  via two tubes  25 , where flow transducer  20  produces an electrical signal proportional to the differential pressure. 
     The electrical signal produced by flow transducer  20  is transmitted to outlet analyzer amplifier and signal conditioning circuit board  40  then, via flexible electrical cable  55 , to PCMCIA data acquisition analog-to-digital converter and input/output card  60  that has been inserted into computer  100  for processing by the system&#39;s proprietary software program. At the 5 psig drop, the millivolt output of flow transducer  20  is read and the flow rate is computed, based on the specific pre-input characteristics of the gas whose flow is being measured. Since the specific gravity and density differs for each gas, the system software contains an adjustment coefficient for each gas to translate flow sensor measurements into the flow rate measurement for the gas analyzed. The system thus compensates for the different gas densities and converts the flow sensor measurement into a correct flow rate for that gas. 
     In addition, a software-controlled, computer-generated audio signal is received by the operator in his headset  80  ear piece  81  when the pressure drops 5 psig from the initial static pressure, and the operator is signaled to close ball valve  8 , as the desired pressure drop has been achieved. Alternatively, light emitting diode (LED)  52  incorporated into the outlet analyzer  30  could be lit as a signal to the operator that the pressure has dropped 5 psig. Upon hearing the sound cue via audio signal or seeing the optional visual cue via lit LED, the operator closes ball valve  8 , thereby stopping the flow of gas through flow sensor  16 . 
     Simultaneously with the processing of pressure and flow signals, oxygen transducer  14  sends an electrical signal proportional to the oxygen concentration (0 to 100%) through amplifier and signal conditioning circuit board  40 . This signal is then transmitted via flexible electrical cable  55  to PCMCIA data acquisition analog digital converter and output card  60  for real-time processing by computer  100  using the proprietary software. The system analyzes and documents outlet oxygen concentration from 0 to 100% with an accuracy of approximately 2%. 
     For measurement of vacuum and waste anesthetic gas disposal (WAGD), negative flow (vacuum) is measured as follows. First, a specific wall adapter  2  is attached to adapter  4  of outlet analyzer  30 , and interchangeable wall adapter  2  is connected to a vacuum inlet  1 , whereupon static pressure/vacuum transducer  10  instantaneously measures the static pressure. Then, the operator manually opens ball valve  8  fully. In vacuum and waste anesthetic gas disposal (WAGD), the flow is in the opposite direction to the flow of pressurized gases, and the flow is measured in real time by bi-directional flow sensor  16 , flow transducer  20  and associated hardware  40 ,  55 ,  60 ,  100 , in a process similar to that discussed above regarding pressurized gases, but incorporating different proprietary software. 
     The medical gas testing computer device must measure flow rate, either positive or negative, as well as gas concentrations at the various outlets, and must also test the master and area alarms for information about a specific gas system, as to whether it is not functional or not according to specification. In general, the operator can input data into computer  100  either via voice, through the wearable microphone  80 , internal sound card and appropriate voice- and sound-recognition software, or via pen  120  input directly to computer screen  111 . As shown in FIG. 4A, once power has been turned on  401 , the data collection system is activated, such as outlets, valves or alarms, is entered  402  so that the proper programs can be accessed. The data file is selected  404 , 406  and appropriate administrative data is entered  405 , 407 . The operator then calibrates pressure and vacuum  408  and the oxygen concentration  409  which function is performed automatically by the custom software. Then the operator chooses whether the data collection is for an outlet  411 , as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, or for a valve  501 , as shown in FIG. 5, or alarms  601 , as shown in FIG.  6 A. 
     For outlet data acquisition, the medical gas testing device of this invention operates according to the steps shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Prior to actually testing medical gas outlets or inlets, the operator inputs location identifiers into computer  110 , such as Operator instructions  414 - 418 , Facility, Building  419 , Floor  420 , Outlet Manufacturer, Room  425  and Bed  426 . Once the location of an outlet to be tested has been described, the operator inputs the gas type  427 , such as “oxygen”. This information is input preferably, as described earlier, by the operator speaking the word “oxygen” into microphone  82  but may also be input manually or using pen  120 . This command prompts computer  110  and outlet analyzer to stand by to receive and process data from the outlets or inlets  1  specific to the gas type identified by the operator. The gas test is chosen  431 , and pressure, flow or gas concentration is measured by outlet analyzer  30 . 
     The unit is pre-programmed with gas-specific, predefined limits for quantifiable data, such as static pressure, vacuum, flow and oxygen concentration, such that the device automatically determines whether the gas flow from a particular outlet or inlet is acceptable or unacceptable. The results of the test(s) are displayed on wearable computer screen  111 . Data that does not fall within the prescribed limits are automatically flagged and entered into the findings column on computer screen  111  and into any the onsite reports or final facility reports that are generated. Analyzer  30  the determines based upon these prescribed values whether or not any of the measurements are “out of spec”, i.e., whether they fall outside the acceptable parameters for that particular gas, and these findings are added to a findings column  434 . The operator can also add any observed objective or subjective findings to the findings column  439 - 444 , and can generate a specific recommendation  447  based upon a preset list of recommendations. The custom software program will also automatically generate recommendations  446  based upon the specific findings reported. For nitrous oxide, specific analyses are performed  428 - 428 ,  449 - 451 , according to preset conditions. The operator can continue by inputting a new location identifier and repeating this procedure. 
     A similar process illustrated in FIG. 5 is done for data acquisition and testing of valves, which isolate and control the individual outlets. The valve location identifiers are input  502 - 505 , and the specific valve gas is identified  506 . The valve gauge reading is taken  507 , and the valve is either functionally tested  508  or the valve labeling is examined  511 . If any abnormal findings are detected  512 , appropriate findings are entered  519  and flagged  521  that a correction is needed. A recommendation can automatically be generated  522  or one of the pre-input recommendations  523  selected. The operator can continue by inputting new location or gas identifiers  524 - 527  and repeating this procedure. 
     A similar process illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B is done for data acquisition and testing of master and area alarms, which provide notice if a specific gas system pressure or function is out of specification. Once the alarm data collection setting is chosen  601 , alarm identifiers  602 , 603  and location identifiers  604 - 607  are input, and the specific alarm gas is identified  608 . A normal reading parameter is input  611 , and low and high activation points are also input  612 , 613  in order to determine the parameters of specification. If the alarm is found to be out of spec  614 , certain findings can be added to the findings list either automatically  615  or manually  616  or with subjective  622 - 624  findings and flagged  625 , 626 . Based upon these findings, recommendations can be automatically  628  or manually  629  be generated based upon pre-input findings and recommendations correlations. The operator can continue by inputting new location or area identifiers  631 - 633  and repeating this procedure. 
     In addition, through use of the voice-recognition software or pen input, the operator can enter any of numerous predefined subjective, programmed findings to said outlet data by speaking one or two preset words or a preset phrase into the wearable microphone  80  incorporated into the headset. After interpreting the words system by the operator, the proprietary software program will enter the corresponding phrase or sentence on computer screen  110  and into the on-site report and final report. For example, the operator may say “Retain” into microphone  80  and the software will print a phrase such as, “Outlet will not retain or release medical devices” onto screen  110 . All dictated and outlet analyzer  30  “captured” entries can be quality-assured by the operator by viewing computer screen  110 , and changed, if needed, by simple pen  120  strokes on computer screen  110 . The operator can view more than twenty prior outlet test results at a time. Backward scrolling makes all previous testing accessible. Thus, with a single pen stroke or voice command, the invention documents over one hundred subjective problems and exceptions to medical gas standards and lists recommendation to correct each. 
     When not functionally testing outlets, outlet analyzer  30  may be stored by attaching it to a proprietary design belt  117  worn by the operator allowing his hands to be free for other functions. Umbilical cable  55  may also be disconnected from computer  110 , thereby allowing outlet analyzer  30  and cable  55  to be stored for later use. 
     Thus, a new and improved medical gas tester is provided. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are provided for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.