GE Datex Ohmeda soda lime canister 1407-7004-000 — purpose, compatibility and common mistakes

In the closed breathing circuit of an anesthesia machine, soda lime plays a key role — it absorbs the carbon dioxide the patient exhales, preventing CO₂ from accumulating to toxic concentrations. Without an effective absorbent the machine cannot be used for inhalation anaesthesia or prolonged ventilation.

For the GE Datex Ohmeda line of anesthesia machines — Aespire, Carestation, Avance, AS/3, S/5 — the standard solution is the pre-filled single-use canister 1407-7004-000. This article covers its purpose, compatibility, replacement intervals and the typical mistakes made in use.

1. Why soda lime is needed in the circuit

With every exhalation the patient gives off about 4–5 % CO₂. In a closed semi-closed or closed circuit this gas has to be removed before the next breath, otherwise within 5–10 minutes the CO₂ concentration in the inspired mixture rises to 8–10 %, which causes hypercapnia, tachycardia and arrhythmia.

Soda lime is a mixture of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) with an indicator (most often ethyl violet). The chemical reaction:

CO₂ + Ca(OH)₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O

As the alkali is consumed, the indicator changes colour from violet to white or yellowish — a signal to the operator that replacement is due.

2. Specifications of 1407-7004-000

The canister is fitted into a dedicated holder between the patient's inspiration and expiration; the transparent body lets you check the level and colour of the granules visually.

3. Compatibility by model

If your machine is not listed in the table, measure the inner diameter of the absorber holder. On the 1407-7004-000 the GE standard is around 110 mm.

4. When to change the canister

Go by two criteria:

1. Indicator colour. Half of the top layer has turned white/yellow — replace.
2. Exposure time. Even if the colour has not changed, after 24 hours of operation the efficiency of the top layer drops by 30–40 % because of atmospheric moisture each time the patient is recharged.

For routine anaesthesia (1–4 operations per shift) one canister is enough for a shift. For prolonged ventilation in the ICU — replace every 24–48 hours regardless of colour.

5. Common mistakes

Filling 'until fully decolourised'. Do not wait for the whole layer to turn white. The lower layers lose efficiency gradually, and by the time the top is fully decolourised the patient is already breathing a mixture with elevated CO₂.

Using expired lime. The shelf life of an unopened canister is 24 months. After opening — no more than 24 hours. Expired lime loses absorption capacity even if the indicator is unchanged.

Pouring third-party granules into the original canister. A mismatch in fraction and indicator leads to reduced efficiency and to dust that clogs the machine's valves.

Skipping the check between operations. For a series of short anaesthetics, check the indicator colour before each case.

6. Where to buy the original 1407-7004-000

Medicaparts supplies original GE Healthcare canisters 1407-7004-000 directly to Russia and CIS countries, with lead time confirmed when the order is placed. You can reach a manager on Telegram @GEpartsV_bot — the manager will select the quantity you need for the volume of your operating block or ICU.

Sources: GE Healthcare Service Manual Aespire/Carestation, section 'CO₂ Absorber Assembly'; Medicaparts' own experience of supplies in 2024–2026.