The global medical gas market had an estimated value of USD 12.8 billion in 2021. Based on historical data, the market is expected to experience an 8.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) every year from 2020 until 2030. 

Contributing factors include government initiatives, the prevalence of chronic diseases, an increasing geriatric population, and the steady rise in demand for home-based healthcare. Of course, we also have to consider how analytical and research labs’ consistent work on vaccines and medication is fueling the industry.

nexAir is a trusted medical gas specialist. If you have any questions about medical gases and how they’re made, our team can readily address them. To help you get started, here’s what you need to know about these gases.

 

What are the different types of medical gas?

Hospitals and healthcare facilities can’t operate properly without medical gases. These include the following:

• Medical Air: This is used for patient respiration and supplied by a specialized air compressor in the ICU, NICU, and other patient care areas within the facility
• Medical Oxygen: This is required by all hospitals and healthcare centers; it is typically used for inhalation therapy and resuscitation efforts
• Carbon Dioxide: This type of medical gas is typically used in less invasive surgeries such as arthroscopy, cryotherapy, endoscopy, and laparoscopy
• Nitrogen: It is primarily used to power surgical tools and medical equipment; it serves as a support gas in healthcare facilities
• Nitrous Oxide: This is often used as an analgesic and anesthetic in surgical procedures; it is otherwise known as the “laughing gas”

 

What is the process for making medical oxygen?

Oxygen remains the most important gas in any healthcare setting. Keep in mind that although industrial oxygen must meet strict regulations, it still doesn’t match the purity of medical oxygen. Industrial oxygen isn’t safe for inhalation, unlike medical oxygen which is essential in hospital treatments. As such, they can’t be interchanged.

Let’s go over three common ways medical oxygen is made so you can have a better idea of how it differs from other types of oxygen gases and medical gases:

• Cryogenic Plants: These industrial facilities have a relatively high set-up cost but they have a 99.95% purity
• PSA Plants: They require electricity and are expected to have 95% to 99% purity; they aren’t a cheap solution
• Oxygen Concentrators: These are portable machines that convert ambient air into high-purity oxygen

Alternatively, you can conveniently store oxygen and other medical gases in industry-grade cylinders and have them refilled at an existing plant.

 

Explore What nexAir Can Do For You

nexAir helps your medical research or healthcare facility ForgeForward with our instrument-grade and ultra-high-purity medical gases. We can prepare custom mixtures based on your unique specifications. We also include a Certificate of Analysis with each specialty gas cylinder so you can ensure these products match industry standards.

Additionally, our industry KnowHow includes carefully curated information and insights that put you in a better position for development and innovation. We’re a trusted gas specialist in healthcare and the medical field, along with various other industries such as research and development, automotive, and food and beverage.

Reach out to us today for inquiries about medical gases.