According to industry standards, when should the anesthesia workstation be checked?

The recommended practice within the field of anesthesiology is to check the anesthesia workstation before the administration of anesthesia. This protocol is crucial because it ensures that all components of the anesthesia machine are functioning properly and safely before patient exposure. Performing checks at this stage helps in identifying any potential issues that could lead to complications during a surgical procedure.

This involves assessing vital elements such as gas supply levels, leak testing, and the proper functioning of monitors and alarms. By adhering to this timing for checks, anesthesiologists can maintain high safety standards and minimize risks during surgery. Scheduling checks exclusively for major surgeries or on a weekly basis does not provide adequate assurance of safety for each individual patient, and responding only after a malfunction occurs is too risky and reactive rather than proactive.