Concentrator checks are an essential part of maintaining the functionality and safety of your home oxygen concentrator and portable oxygen concentrators. The checks will occur periodically based on manufacturer guidelines and will involve a Lincare professional coming into your home and performing a series of tests and inspections to ensure the concentrator is operating correctly and efficiently. It is crucial to perform regular concentrator checks to ensure that the device is providing a patient with the proper prescribed oxygen.
Why Are Concentrator Checks Important
- Safety: Oxygen concentrators are medical devices designed to deliver a continuous and/or intermittent flow of oxygen when prescribed to patients with respiratory conditions. Adhering to the manufacture guidelines of regular checks, can help to identify any potential safety hazards or possible malfunctions.
- Proper Functionality: Concentrators have several components that need to work together seamlessly to deliver the correct amount of prescribed oxygen to a patient. Concentrator checks can help to identify any issues with these components to ensure that your concentrator is functioning properly and to make sure there is no blockage within the concentrator's filter.
- Prolonged Lifespan: By performing Concentrator checks and maintenance on a concentrator, much like an oil change with a car, you can extend its lifespan and prevent the need for repairs or replacements in the future.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that a concentrator has been properly checked and serviced can give patients peace of mind and confidence that the device will continue to provide the prescribed oxygen needed to support their respiratory condition.
Concentrators checks are a simple but crucial aspect of using a home oxygen concentrator. By allowing Lincare to perform these checks, you can help ensure that your device is safe, efficient, and reliable, allowing you to breathe easy.
What to Expect During Routine Concentrator Check
- The company internally monitors and tracks the manufacturer's recommended concentrator check time frame to determine when to schedule a concentrator check.
- The Local Center will reach out to patients directly to schedule their check when it's time.
- A Lincare Service Representative will come out to the patient’s home on the predetermined scheduled date to service and perform a series of functionality tests.
- The Service Representative will add a service card to the unit documenting the date of the service and the current oxygen purity of the unit.
- The concentrator check report completed will then be placed in the patient's medical record.
How to Prepare for Your Check
- Make sure the oxygen concentrator is accessible and the area around the unit is clean and free of dust and debris. A clean environment helps prevent contaminants from entering the machine, which can affect its performance.
- Always have your unit placed in a well-ventilated area, away from walls or furniture that could obstruct airflow.
- Monitor your oxygen concentrator's performance leading up to the check and write down any questions about the concentrator's operation so you can discuss them during the appointment.
Note: If your concentrator is making unusual sounds, has a reduction in oxygen output or there are error messages displayed on the machine, please contact your local Lincare Center.
Now that you have a better understanding of our concentrator check program you can see how maintaining and testing oxygen concentrators is crucial for safety and efficacy. Regular concentrator checks can help ensure proper prescribed oxygen delivery for patients' respiratory needs. Neglecting upkeep can lead to malfunctions. Prioritizing maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and reliable respiratory support for patients. For more information about concentrator checks, contact your local Lincare Center.
