Skc 249-01 Breath Gas Analysis Bags Instruction Manual

Operating Instructions
863 Valley View Road, Eighty-Four, PA 15330
724-941-9701 • skcinc.com 

Breath-gas Analysis Bags
Cat. Nos. 249-01 and 269-01

SKC Breath-gas Analysis Bags are ideal for collecting and storing human breath samples. The samples are subsequently analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). Breath-gas Analysis Bags are constructed of FlexFoil® PLUS or Tedlar® material. The special stainless steel breath-gas fitting with a plastic mouthpiece allows easy sample collection and facilitates sample removal by a gas-tight syringe for gas chromatography (GC) analysis.

Guidelines for Bag Sampling

Wear gloves when handling the bag and fi ttings (photos are shown without gloves for clarity).

1. Long-term storage of samples in bags is not recommended.
2. SKC sample bags are designed for sampling air at atmospheric pressure only. Att empting to pressurize the bag can result in bag rupture and sample loss.
   Do not ship bag samples by air freight in a non-pressurized cargo cabin. Bags can burst under such conditions.
3. All federal and state packaging and transporting regulations apply.
4. Failure to follow warnings and cautions voids any warranty.
5. Do not reuse sample bags.
6. Due to the physical properties of the FlexFoil bag material, minor crimps and creases may appear on bags during manufacturing, quality testing, and user handling. These marks only aff ect the aesthetics of the bag and not its performance. FlexFoil bags exhibiting minor crimps and creases are not subject to replacement or refund as functionality is not aff ected.
7. Do not use sample bags to sample compounds with boiling points > 249.9 F (121 C).
8. SKC bag fi tt ing valves are extremely durable but are not intended for use as handles or hanging devices. This type of handling may damage the seal, causing leakage. This is considered to be misuse and will void the SKC warranty.

Preparing the Fitting

1. Remove the clean, single-use plastic mouthpiece from the packaging.
   
2. Attach the plastic mouthpiece to the stainless steel breath-gas fi tt ing on the bag by gently pushing the narrow end of the mouthpiece down onto the fitt ing until snug.

Sampling

1. Open the fi tt ing by placing the bag on a flat surface and turning the knurled disc on the stainless steel fi tt ing counterclockwise a maximum of two revolutions. The fitt ing is now open.
   
2. Provide breathing instructions to the test subject. Have the subject place lips on the plastic mouthpiece and blow accordingly to collect the desired sample volume.
   Do not over-infl ate the sample bag (see below).
   
3. Immediately remove the mouthpiece from the lips of the test subject and close the breath-gas fi tt ing by turning the knurled disc clockwise until snug. The fitt ing is now closed.
   
4. Remove plastic mouthpiece by grasping the stainless steel breath-gas fitting with one hand and gently pulling/twisting the plastic mouthpiece with the other hand.
   
5. The single-use mouthpieces may be disposed of in regular trash.

Shipping

1. If sending the bag(s) containing the breath-gas sample(s) to a laboratory for analysis, place bag(s) in the original packaging and ship.

Removing the Sample from the Bag
The outside diameter of the syringe needle should not be larger than 12 gauge (0.109 inch).
Do not allow the syringe needle to puncture the bag material when piercing the septum.

1. Using a gas-tight syringe and needle, carefully insert the needle into the septum port in the center of the stainless steel breath-gas fi tt ing and pierce the septum.
   
2. Use the syringe to withdraw the sample.
3. Analyze the sample.

Reference
Michalski, P., Wzorek, B., Sliwka, I., and Amann, A., Suitability of Diff erent Polymer Bags for Storage of Volatile Sulfur Compounds Relevant to Breath Analysis, Journal of Chromatography B, Vol. 877, Issue 3, Jan. 15, 2009, pp. 189-196, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2008.12.003

Ordering Information

SKC sample bags for other applications are available in Tedlar, Standard FlexFoil, and FlexFoil PLUS material with fittings made of stainless steel, polypropylene, or PTFE in sizes up to 100 liters. SKC also manufactures custom sample bags. Contact SKC at 724-941-9701 or [email protected] or go to  www.skcinc.com/media/documents/85177.pdf.
For sample bag stability data, see www.skcinc.com/media/documents/1805.pdf.

For more information or assistance with applications, contact SKC Technical Services at [email protected].

SKC Limited Warranty and Return Policy
SKC products are subject to the SKC Limited Warranty and Return Policy, which provides SKC’s sole liability and the buyer’s exclusive remedy. To view the complete SKC Limited Warranty and Return Policy, go to skcinc.com/warranty.

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