Tracking Nitrous Oxide Exposure: Medclair’s NOD Piloted in French hospital

A healthcare professional carries the Medclair NOD in their pocket to monitor Nitrous Oxide exposure throughout the workday.

A French hospital is trialling a wearable detector from Medclair to monitor Nitrous Oxide (N2O) exposure in real time, aiming to enhance staff safety in environments where N2O is in regular use.

Healthcare professionals administering Nitrous Oxide, may be exposed to residual N2O in the ambient air, especially in settings without central gas scavenging. Prolonged exposure to N2O has been associated with a range of health risks. Regulatory agencies in several countries, including France, have established occupational exposure limits for N2O. 


To address this need, the Medclair Nitrous Oxide Detector (NOD) was developed as a wearable device that provides real-time monitoring of N2O exposure in clinical settings. The unit displays exposure levels in parts per million (ppm), issues alerts when safety thresholds are exceeded, and enables users to track their exposure over time. The small, lightweight unit is intended to be worn on the collar or in the pocket during procedures where N2O is administered.


Interest in the NOD has grown in French healthcare institutions, where staff in departments such as paediatrics and anaesthesia are beginning to evaluate the device. At the Clocheville Paediatric Hospital (CHRU de Tours), clinical teams are currently trialling the NOD to monitor N2O exposure, referred to as MEOPA when mixed with oxygen in France. Initial feedback suggests the device may support ongoing efforts to improve occupational safety standards. Results from these ongoing trials are expected to inform broader implementation strategies.


By providing real-time monitoring and detailed exposure data, the NOD serves as a practical tool for occupational health and safety teams. What sets it apart is its ability to deliver instant feedback directly to the user, enabling immediate action when exposure levels rise. This empowers staff to respond in the moment, rather than relying on retrospective data, supporting a more proactive and preventive approach to N2O safety. 


As awareness of environmental and occupational risks increases, individual exposure monitoring may become a more standard component of workplace safety in healthcare environments where N2O is used. 


More information on the NOD can be found at the following link:
https://www.medclair.com/nitrous-oxide-detector