Technical specifications for invasive and non-invasive ventilators for

COVID-19
Interim guidance
15 April 2020

These technical specifications describe the minimum Definitions and intended use
requirements that invasive and non-invasive ventilators must
comply with to ensure quality, safety and effectiveness when 1.1 Invasive ventilators
used for the management of COVID-19.
1.1.1 Patient ventilators for intensive care unit: Designed
All these ventilators require a source of air and oxygen to to provide temporary ventilatory and respiratory assistance to
operate their internal blenders. Some of the equipment adult and paediatric patients who cannot breathe on their own
includes an internal air compressor, but all these pieces of or who require assistance to maintain adequate ventilation.
equipment require either a low-flow oxygen source (e.g. This equipment is usually connected to a 50-psi gas supply.
oxygen concentrator) or a high-flow oxygen source (e.g. Some ventilators have their own air compressor but still need
oxygen tank, piped oxygen). Oil-based external air an oxygen source. The mixed, heated and humidified gas is
compressors produce vapour that can damage ventilator delivered to the patient using a double-limb breathing circuit
sensors. (one for inspiratory and one for expiratory phases). Different
parameters can be controlled by the user and displayed in a
All these ventilators should be provided with accessories, screen (e.g. fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), trigger,
consumables and spare parts as required to operate for respiratory rate (RR), positive end-expiratory pressure
minimum duration of 3 months. It is advisable to follow the (PEEP), control modes).
maintenance guidance for the replacement of accessories and
consumables, and for the safe decontamination of the 1.1.2 Patient ventilators for transport/mass-casualty care:
reusable parts provided by the manufacturer. Similar to intensive care ventilators, these devices are capable
of providing temporary ventilatory assistance by controlling
Important considerations: flow, rate, FiO2 and PEEP. The degree of portability
(including weight and manageability), as well as battery life,
1. Invasive ventilators require well-trained medical are important considerations. The equipment should have the
staff to perform the intubation and to manage the ability to operate on an external battery for 4 hours, minimize
pressure setting controls and alarms. Provision must the oxygen consumption, and operate without any
also be made in terms of the following infrastructure, compressed gas source (e.g. by a turbine). It should work
particularly high-pressure oxygen or air sources, when connected to a 50 psi or a low-flow oxygen supply.
controlled temperature and humidity of the Simplicity of use and low cost are advantages, in addition to
environment, and availability of technical staff to advanced ventilatory features.
perform troubleshooting protocols, maintain the
equipment and for decontamination procedures. 1.2 Non-invasive ventilators
2. The non-invasive ventilators, mainly continuous
positive airway pressure (CPAP), bilevel positive 1.2.1 Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP):
airway pressure (BPAP) and high-flow oxygen Designed to apply continuous positive airway pressure to the
systems require health workers to take infection non-intubated adult or paediatric patient. Can be used in
control measures to reduce the risk of becoming spontaneously breathing patients who require short-term
infected with COVID-19 by the generation of mechanical assistance.
aerosols, for example, by wearing respirators and
implementing airborne precautions. These units can deliver air or a mixture of air and oxygen at
3. Some advantages of non-invasive ventilators are that high flow rates and a single set pressure, typically between 3
they avoid intubation and are easier to use once and 20 cmH2O, through a circuit and patient interface. The
the right interface is applied. effectiveness of the treatment is closely related to the proper
4. In addition, use of high-flow nasal cannula and non- sealing of the nasal or oral-nasal mask to the face of the
invasive ventilators can provide a higher flow (up to patient.
50 to 70 L/min) than a nasal cannula connected to a
standard flowmeter, which is up to about 15 L/min. 1.2.2 Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP or BPAP):
Designed to apply continuous positive airway pressure to
Follow the clinical guidelines for the selection of equipment non-intubated adult or paediatric patient, allowing clinicians
for the treatment of critically and severely patients in the to adjust two different pressures during the inspiratory and
context of COVID-19. expiratory phases of a breath. Can be used in spontaneously
breathing patients who require short-term mechanical
assistance.

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 Technical specifications for invasive and non-invasive ventilators for COVID-19: interim guidance

These units can deliver air or a mixture of air and oxygen at humidification to the non-intubated adult or paediatric patient.
high flow rates. The higher inspiratory pressure off-loads the The maximum flow varies according to the manufacturer and
patient’s breathing effort while the lower pressure helps to can go up to 50 to 70 L/min. A specialized flowmeter and a
preserve an adequate alveolar volume and prevent collapse of heated humidifier are incorporated into the unit to deliver
unstable alveolar units during expiration. The effectiveness of warm, humidified gases through a patient interface (nasal
the treatment is closely related to the proper sealing of the cannula). There is a low level of positive pressure at the
nasal or oral-nasal mask to the face of the patient. There are patient’s airway. The FiO2 can be set by the clinician. The
also more novel helmets that can be used as an interface. effectiveness of the treatment is related to the high flow
generated rather than the proper sealing of the nasal cannula
1.2.3 High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), heated humidified (reduced exhaled air dispersion).
high-flow (HHHF) therapy or high-flow nasal oxygen
(HFNO): Designed to deliver high flow rates with heated

Technical specifications for procurement

2.1 Invasive ventilators

2.1.1 Intensive-care patient ventilator for adult and paediatric patients

1 General technical The medical oxygen and air high-pressure input ports (50 psi) provide a means to limit reverse gas
requirements flowrate (leakage) and cross leakage when flowrate is < 100 mL/min.
Each high-pressure input port with a filter should have a pore size ≤ 100 μm.
Medical air compressor is integral to unit. Air turbine is an alternative.
Possibility of using external low-pressure oxygen, as source, preferable.
Mechanical safe valve that opens at 80 cm H2O.
Internal function testing/leak testing.
Event log for errors traceability, preferable.
All parts withstand high disinfection procedures.
At least IP21 degree of protection to the harmful ingress of water (fluid spill resistance).
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials must be avoided in the patient gas pathway.
Mechanical shock resistance, mechanical vibration, electromagnetic compatibility and electrical
safety testing.
Operating temperature and humidity 5 to 40 °C and 0 to 95% RH.
Storage temperature and humidity -20 to 60 °C, 0 to 95% RH.
2 Ventilation modes Pressure regulated volume control (PRVC), or similar.
Pressure control (PC)
Volume control (VC)
Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV)
Pressure support ventilation (PSV)
Non-Invasive ventilation capability
3 Monitored and FiO2: 21 to 100%;
controlled parameters Tidal Volume: 20 - 2,000 mL, ideally;
(by user) Inspiratory flow: 1 - 160 [L/min];
Inspiratory pressure: 0 – 40 [cmH2O];
I:E ratio; I:E inverse ratio;
RR: 10 to 60 [breaths/min], minimum;
Inspiratory pause manoeuvre capability to measure plateau pressure;
Peak pressure limitation/pressure-cycling mechanism adjustable range of 5 - 20 cmH2O above
measured peak pressure.
PEEP: 0 to 20 [cmH2O], minimum.
4 Displayed parameters Display easily readable in low ambient light and sunlight.
(colour and graphic 3 scalar waveforms: pressure, volume and flow.
are preferable) 3 loop (axis) displays: pressure-volume, flow-volume and pressure-flow, preferable.
Status indicators for ventilator mode, battery status, patient data, alarm settings.
FiO2.
Airway pressures (peak, plateau mean and PEEP).
Tidal volume (inspired and expired).
Minute volume (inspired and expired).
I:E ratio
RR (spontaneous and mechanical)
End-tidal CO2.
5 Alarms, related to gas Adjustable, visual and audible for:
delivered High/low FiO2;
High/low inspiratory pressure and PEEP;

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 Technical specifications for invasive and non-invasive ventilators for COVID-19: interim guidance

High/low tidal volume (not achieved or exceeded);

Apnoea, adjustable from 10-30 sec;
High/low respiratory rate;
Continuously high pressure/occlusion;
Breathing circuit disconnect.
6 Alarms, related to Visual and audible for:
equipment operation Gas supply failure;
Power failure;
Low battery.
7 Consumables, labelled Breathing circuits: double-limb with standard 30 per equipment.
“single use”, (included outlet/inlet connectors with 22 mm of outside
and mentioned in a diameter.
disaggregated list) Bacteria filters, if applicable. 30 per equipment.
8 Accessories, reusable Breathing circuits: double-limb with standard 10 per equipment.
(included and outlet/inlet connectors with 22 mm of outside
mentioned in a diameter. Expiratory housing with in-built
disaggregated list) bacteria filters; as well as the possibility to
accommodate heat moisture exchangers
(HMEs).
Flex adapters for placement between the circuit 10 per equipment.
way-adapter and the ETT (protects from
unnecessary trauma from eve small circuit
repositioning.
Exhalation valve. 10 per equipment.
CO2 sensors. 1 per equipment.
Servo-controlled heated humidifier; alternatively 1 per equipment.
access to HMEs.
Internal air compressor capacity (or high- As required to operate.
performance turbines).
Connector 30 mm, if required for the gas exhaust
port.
Standard connectors to air and oxygen wall
pipelines.
9 Spare parts (included 1-year spare parts kit as per preventive maintenance programme, preferable.
and mentioned in a
disaggregated list)
10 Portability Mounting tray and support stand (cart for transport with at least 2 castors fitted with breaks).
11 Power supply, Operates from AC power electric line: 100 to 240 V~ / 50 to 60 Hz.
Voltage, frequency Built-in rechargeable battery.
and plug vary across Automatic switch from AC power electric-line mode to battery operating mode and vice versa.
the countries Continuous in battery operating mode with standard ventilation not less than 1 hour.
Total re-charging time not greater than 6 hours.
Equipment must be connected to a reliable and continues source of energy.
12 Documentation Instruction for use; service manual and product information to be provided in English language, at
(included) least.
13 Primary packaging Labelling on the primary packaging to include: name and/or trademark of the manufacturer.
Model or product’s reference.
Information for particular storage conditions (temperature, pressure, light, humidity).
14 Standards, for the Certified quality management system for medical devices (e.g. ISO 13485, or good manufacturing
manufacturer practice (GMP)).
15 Standards, for the Free sales certificate (FSC) provided by any of the following countries:
product performance Australia, Canada, Japan, USA and European Community (e.g. FDA and/or CE certificate given by a
third certified party for the specific medical devices proposed (no only declaration of conformity).
If the FSC comes from other national regulatory agencies, it should be supported by the following
certificates of quality performance, while alternative national equivalent tests are acceptable:
ISO 18562-1:2017: Biocompatibility evaluation of breathing gas pathways in health-care applications
— Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process.
ISO 20789:2018: Anaesthetic and respiratory equipment — passive humidifiers.
ISO 80601-2-12:2020 Medical electrical equipment — Part 2-12: Particular requirements for basic
safety and essential performance of critical care ventilators.
ISO 80601-2-74:2017 Medical electrical equipment — Part 2-74: Particular requirements for basic
safety and essential performance of respiratory humidifying equipment.
ISO 80601-2-79:2018 Medical electrical equipment — Part 2-79: Particular requirements for basic
safety and essential performance of ventilatory support equipment for ventilatory impairment.

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 Technical specifications for invasive and non-invasive ventilators for COVID-19: interim guidance

IEC 60601-1-1:2015 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-1: General requirements for safety -
Collateral standard: Safety requirements for medical electrical systems.
IEC 60601-1-2:2014 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety
and essential performance - Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements and
tests.
16 Warranty Minimum 2 years.
Availability of accessories, consumables and spare parts for at least 2 years.

2.1.2 Patient ventilators for transport/mass-casualty care for adult and paediatric use
1 General technical Medical air compressor integral to unit, with inlet filter.
requirements External low-flow oxygen, preferable.
 If oxygen high-pressure input port (> 35 psi).
 Each high-pressure input port with a filter having a pore size ≤ 100 μm.
O2 - air mixture accuracy of 4%.
O2 consumption with 660 L (E) tank:
 104 minutes with 16 L/min, FiO2 50%.
 280 minutes with 6 L/min, FiO2 50%.
O2 conserve feature, preferable.
Internal function testing/leak testing.
Event log for errors traceability, preferable.
All parts withstand high disinfection procedures.
At least IP21 degree of protection to the harmful ingress of water.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials must be avoided in the patient gas pathway.
2 Ventilation modes Pressure Regulated Volume Control (PRVC), or similar
Pressure Control (PC)
Volume Control (VC)
Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV)
Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV)
Non-Invasive Ventilation capability
3 Monitored and Air and externally supplied oxygen mixture ratios fully controllable.
controlled parameters FiO2: 21 to 100%;
(by user) Tidal Volume: 20 - 1,000 mL, ideally;
Inspiratory pressure: 0 – 40 [cmH2O];
I:E ratio;
RR: 10 to 60 [breaths/min], minimum.
4 Displayed parameters Display easily readable in low ambient light and sunlight.
(colour and graphic Real time scalar waveforms for flow, volume and pressure at least 2 simultaneously.
are preferable) Status indicators for ventilator mode, battery status, patient data, alarm settings.
Airway pressures (Peak, Mean and PEEP).
Tidal volume (Expired).
Minute volume (Expired).
I:E ratio.
Inspiration and expiration times.
Spontaneous Minute Volume.
RR.
FiO2.
Occlusion pressure detection;
Air and oxygen pressure;
Spontaneous ventilation;
Leak percentage.
5 Alarms, related to gas Visual and audible for:
delivered High/Low FiO2;
High/Low Flow;
High/Low Inspiratory pressure;
Breathing circuit disconnect;
Apnoea.
6 Alarms, related to Visual and audible for:
equipment operation Gas supply failure;
Power failure;
Low battery.
7 Consumables, labelled Breathing circuits: double-limb with standard 30 per equipment.
“single use”, (included outlet/inlet connectors with 22 mm of outside
and mentioned in a diameter.
disaggregated list) Bacteria filters, if applicable. 30 per equipment.

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 Technical specifications for invasive and non-invasive ventilators for COVID-19: interim guidance

8 Accessories, reusable Breathing circuits: double-limb with standard 10 per equipment.

(included and outlet/inlet connectors with 22 mm of outside
mentioned in a diameter. Expiratory housing with in-built
disaggregated list) bacteria filters.
Exhalation valve. 10 per equipment.
CO2 sensors, preferable. 1 per equipment.
Internal air compressor capacity (or high- 1 per equipment.
performance turbines).
Standard connectors to air and oxygen wall As required to operate.
pipelines.
9 Spare parts (included 1-year spare parts kit as per preventive maintenance program, preferable.
and mentioned in a
disaggregated list)
10 Portability Portable equipment with mechanical strength to lever rough handling.
11 Power supply Operates from AC power electric line: 100 to 240 V~ / 50 to 60 Hz.
Voltage, frequency In-built rechargeable battery.
and plug vary across Automatic switch from AC power electric-line mode to battery operating mode and vice versa.
countries Continuous in battery operating mode with standard ventilation not less than 4 hours.
Total re-charging time not greater than 6 hours.
Equipment must be connected to a reliable and continuous source of energy.
12 Documentation Instruction for use; service manual and product information to be provided in English language, at
(included) least.
13 Primary packaging Labelling on the primary packaging to include: Name and/or trademark of the manufacturer.
Model or product’s reference.
Information for particular storage conditions (temperature, pressure, light, humidity).
14 Standards, for the Certified quality management system for medical devices (e.g. ISO 13485, or good manufacturing
manufacturer practice (GMP)).
15 Standards, for the Free Sales Certificate (FSC) provided by any of the following countries:
product performance Australia, Canada, Japan, USA and European Community (e.g. FDA and/or CE certificate given by a
third certified party for the specific medical devices proposed (no only declaration of conformity)

If the FSC comes from other national regulatory agency, it should be supported by the following
certificates of quality performance, alternative national equivalent test are acceptable:

ISO 18562-1:2017: Biocompatibility evaluation of breathing gas pathways in health-care applications

— Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process.
ISO 20789:2018: Anaesthetic and respiratory equipment — Passive humidifiers.
ISO 10651-5:2006: Lung ventilators for medical use — Particular requirements for basic safety and
essential performance — Part 5: Gas-powered emergency resuscitators.
ISO 80601-2-74:2017 Medical electrical equipment — Part 2-74: Particular requirements for basic
safety and essential performance of respiratory humidifying equipment.
IEC 60601-1-1:2015 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-1: General requirements for safety -
Collateral standard: Safety requirements for medical electrical systems
IEC 60601-1-2:2014 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety
and essential performance - Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements and
tests.
16 Warranty Minimum 2 years.
Availability of accessories, consumables and spare parts for at least 2 years.

2.2 Non-invasive ventilators

2.2.1 Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for adult and paediatric use
1 General requirements Maintains continuous positive pressure in airway at high flow rate
User interface to be easy to operate, numbers and displays to be clearly visible.
Inspiration trigger for auto start.
Leakage compensation capability.
Servo-controlled heated humidifier
Noise level to be less than 35 dbA at mid pressure range.
In-built air compressor.
O2 inlet
All parts withstand high disinfection procedures.
Expiratory relief features that reduce the pressure slightly at the end of each breath to make it easier
for the patient to exhale, preferable
Pressure ramp option that starts pressure at low level and slowly increases over a period, preferable

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 Technical specifications for invasive and non-invasive ventilators for COVID-19: interim guidance

Automatic positive airway pressure, also called AutoPAP or APAP, preferable.

2 Monitored and FiO2: 21 to 100 %.
controlled parameters Pressure: 3 to 20 [cmH2O].
(by user)
3 Displayed parameters Display easily readable in low ambient light and sunlight.
(colour and graphic Pressure [cmH2O].
are preferable) FiO2 [%].
Flow, preferable.
Air leak [%], preferable.
RR, preferable.
4 Alarms, related to gas Visual and audible for:
delivered High/Low Temperature;
Breathing circuit disconnection.
5 Alarms, related to Visual, audible and clearly indicating the problem for:
equipment operation Lack of water;
System failure;
Air filter to be replaced;
Power failure;
Low battery.
6 Consumables, labelled Inlet bacteria filter, if applicable. 30 per equipment.
“single use”, (included Expiratory filters high efficiency. 30 per equipment.
and mentioned in a Nasal mask for adult and paediatric, with tubing. 30 per equipment.
disaggregated list) Oral/nasal mask for adult and paediatric, with 30 per equipment.
tubing.
Helmet for adult and paediatric, with tubing. 30 per equipment.
7 Accessories, reusable Nasal mask for adult and paediatric with tubing; 10 per equipment.
(included and with stands high level disinfection and
mentioned in a sterilization.
disaggregated list) Oral/nasal mask for adult and paediatric use with 5 per equipment.
tubing; withstands high level disinfection and
sterilization.
Helmet for adult and paediatric patients with 10 per equipment.
tubing; withstands high level disinfection and
sterilization.
Humidifier accessory if not integrated in-built. 2 per equipment.
Connectors for air and oxygen outlets, adaptable As required to operate.
for most connectors including barb, NF, DISS
and NIST.
Mains power cable to have length ≥2.
8 Spare parts (included 1-year spare parts kit as per preventive maintenance programme, preferable.
and mentioned in a
disaggregated list)
9 Portability Portable equipment with mechanical strength to lever rough handling.
10 Power supply, Operates from AC power electric line: 100-240 V ~, 50/60 Hz.
Voltage, Frequency in-built rechargeable battery.
and Plug vary across Automatic switch from AC power electric-line mode to battery operating mode and vice versa.
the countries Equipment must be connected to a reliable and continues source of energy.
11 Documentation Instruction for use; service manual and product information to be provided in English language, at
(included) least.
12 Primary packaging Labelling on the primary packaging to include: Name and/or trademark of the manufacturer.
Model or product’s reference.
Information for particular storage conditions (temperature, pressure, light, humidity).
13 Standards, for the Certified quality management system for medical devices (e.g. ISO 13485, or good manufacturing
manufacturer practice (GMP)).
14 Standards, for the Free sales certificate (FSC) provided by any of the following countries:
product performance Australia, Canada, Japan, USA and European Community (e.g. FDA and/or CE certificate given by a
third certified party for the specific medical devices proposed (no only declaration of conformity)
If the FSC comes from other national regulatory agency, it should be supported by the following
certificates of quality performance, alternative national equivalent test are acceptable:
ISO 18562-1:2017: Biocompatibility evaluation of breathing gas pathways in healthcare applications
— Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process.
ISO 20789:2018: Anaesthetic and respiratory equipment — Passive humidifiers.
ISO 17510:2015 Medical devices - sleep apnoea breathing therapy - masks and application
accessories.

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 Technical specifications for invasive and non-invasive ventilators for COVID-19: interim guidance

IEC 60601-1-1:2015 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-1: General requirements for safety -
Collateral standard: Safety requirements for medical electrical systems.
IEC 60601-1-2:2014 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety
and essential performance - Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements and
tests.
15 Warranty Minimum 2 years.
Availability of accessories, consumables and spare parts for at least 2 years.

2.2.2 Bi-Level positive airway pressure unit (BiPAP) for adult and paediatric use
1 General requirements Maintains continuous positive pressure in airway at high flow rate
User interface to be easy to operate, numbers and displays to be clearly visible.
Provides a higher positive pressure airway upon inhalation than upon exhalation.
Built-in air compressor.
Oxygen inlet
Servo-controlled heated humidifier
Spontaneous timing (S/T).
CPAP (Spontaneous), T (Timed), Pressure Assisted Control/Pressure Control (PAC/PC), preferable.
Trigger sensitivity range: 1-10 cm H2O, increments of 1 or automatic.
Noise level to be less than 35 dBA at mid pressure range.
Expiratory relief features that reduce the pressure slightly at the end of each breath to make it easier
for the patient to exhale, preferable
Pressure ramp option that starts pressure at low level and slowly increases over a period
Automatic positive airway pressure, also called AutoPAP or APAP, preferable
All parts withstand high disinfection procedures.

2 Monitored and FiO2: 21 to 100 %.

controlled parameters Pressure: 4 to 25 [cmH2O].
(by user)
3 Displayed parameters Display easily readable in low ambient light and sunlight.
(colour and graphic Inspiratory and Expiratory pressure;
are preferable) Inspiratory and Expiratory time;
FiO2 [%];
Mean Airway Pressure (MAP);
Air leak [%].
4 Alarms, related to gas Visual and audible for:
delivered High/Low Temperature;
High/Low Pressure;
Breathing circuit disconnect.
5 Alarms, related to Visual and audible for:
equipment operation Lack of water;
System failure;
Air filter to be replaced.
Power failure;
Low battery.
6 Consumables, labelled Inlet bacteria filter, if applicable. 30 per equipment.
“single use”, (included Expiratory filters high efficiency. 30 per equipment.
and mentioned in a Nasal mask for adult and paediatric, with tubing. 30 per equipment.
disaggregated list) Oral/nasal mask for adult and paediatric, with 30 per equipment.
tubing.
Helmet for adult and paediatric, with tubing. 30 per equipment.
7 Accessories, reusable Nasal mask for adult and paediatric use with 10 per equipment.
(included and tubing; withstands high level disinfection and
mentioned in a sterilization.
disaggregated list) Oral/nasal mask for adult and paediatric use with 5 per equipment.
tubing; withstands high level disinfection and
sterilization.
Helmet for adult and paediatric use with tubing; 10 per equipment.
withstands high level disinfection and
sterilization.
Humidifier accessory, if not integrated in-built. 2 per equipment.
Connectors for air and oxygen outlets, adaptable
for most connectors including barb, NF, DISS
and NIST. 2 per equipment.
Mains power cable to have length ≥2.

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 Technical specifications for invasive and non-invasive ventilators for COVID-19: interim guidance

As required to operate.
8 Spare parts (included 1-year spare parts kit as per preventive maintenance programme, preferable.
and mentioned in a
disaggregated list)
9 Portability Mounting tray and support stand with at least 2 castors fitted with breaks.
10 Power supply, Operates from AC power electric line: 100-240 V ~, 50/60 Hz.
Voltage, Frequency Built-in rechargeable battery.
and Plug vary across Automatic switch from AC power electric-line mode to battery operating mode and vice versa.
the countries Equipment must be connected to a reliable and continues source of energy.
11 Documentation Instruction for use; service manual and product information to be provided in English language, at
(included) least.
12 Primary packaging Labelling on the primary packaging to include: Name and/or trademark of the manufacturer.
Model or product’s reference.
Information for particular storage conditions (temperature, pressure, light, humidity).
13 Standards, for the Certified quality management system for medical devices (e.g. ISO 13485), or good manufacturing
manufacturer practice (GMP)).
14 Standards, for the Free sales certificate (FSC) provided by any of the following countries:
product performance Australia, Canada, Japan, USA and European Community (e.g. FDA and/or CE certificate given by a
third certified party for the specific medical devices proposed (no only declaration of conformity)
If the FSC comes from other national regulatory agency, it should be supported by the following
certificates of quality performance, alternative national equivalent test are acceptable:
ISO 18562-1:2017: Biocompatibility evaluation of breathing gas pathways in health-care applications
— Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process.
ISO 20789:2018: Anaesthetic and respiratory equipment — Passive humidifiers.
ISO 17510:2015 Medical devices - Sleep apnoea breathing therapy - Masks and application
accessories.
IEC 60601-1-1:2015 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-1: General requirements for safety -
Collateral standard: Safety requirements for medical electrical systems.
IEC 60601-1-2:2014 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety
and essential performance - Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements and
tests.
15 Warranty Minimum 2 years.
Availability of accessories, consumables and spare parts for at least 2 years.

2.2.3 High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) for adult and paediatric use
1 General requirements Ability to generate flow from room air and mix with oxygen. The oxygen source could be an oxygen
concentrator or cylinder.
User interface to be easy to operate, numbers and displays to be clearly visible.
The mixed gas of air and oxygen is warmed up to 37 °C and 100% relative humidity.
FiO2: 21 to 100 %.
Flow: 2 to 50 L/min (minimum).
Controls to be easy to operate, numbers and displays to be clearly visible.
Digital display of Temperature [°C], Flow [L/min], Oxygen concentration [%].
Humidity compensation system.
Noise level to be less than 35 dB A at mid pressure range.
Trigger sensitivity range: 1-10 cmH2O, increments of 1 cmH2O or automatic.
In-built air compressor.
All parts withstand high disinfection procedures.
2 Displayed parameters Display easily readable in low ambient light and sunlight.
(colour and graphic Gas temperature; FiO2; Tidal volume; Inspiratory pressure; Inspiratory and Expiratory time; I:E ratio;
are preferable) Mean Airway Pressure (MAP); Air leak [%].
3 Alarms, related to gas Visual and audible for:
delivered High/Low FiO2;
Incorrect Temperature/Humidity;
System leakage or blockage.
4 Alarms, related to Visual and audible for:
equipment operation Lack of water;
System failure;
Air filter to be replaced;
Power failure;
Low battery.
5 Consumables, labelled Inlet bacteria filter, if applicable. 30 per equipment.

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 Technical specifications for invasive and non-invasive ventilators for COVID-19: interim guidance

“single use”, (included Expiratory filters high efficiency. 30 per equipment.

and mentioned in a Housing and patient interface for adult and 30 per equipment.
disaggregated .list) paediatric use.
6 Accessories , reusable Housing and patient interface for adult and 10 per equipment.
(included and paediatric use; withstands high level disinfection
mentioned in a and sterilization.
disaggregated list) Flowmeter, graduated in L/min. 5 per equipment.
Humidifier. 2 per equipment.
Water chamber. 2 per equipment.
Connectors for air and oxygen outlets, adaptable As required to operate.
for most connectors including barb, NF, DISS
and NIST.
Mains power cable to have length ≥ 2.
Internal air compressor capacity.
7 Spare parts (included 1-year spare parts kit as per preventive maintenance program, preferable.
and mentioned in a
disaggregated list)
8 Portability Mounting tray and support stand with at least 2 castors fitted with breaks.
9 Power supply, Operates from AC power electric line: 100-240 V ~, 50/60 Hz.
Voltage, Frequency Built-in rechargeable battery: 12 or 24 V.
and Plug vary across Automatic switch from AC power electric-line mode to battery operating mode and vice versa.
the countries Continuous in battery operating mode withstands at least 1 hour.
Equipment must be connected to a reliable and continues source of energy.
10 Documentation Instruction for use; service manual and product information to be provided in English language, at
(included) least.
11 Primary packaging Labelling on the primary packaging to include: Name and/or trademark of the manufacturer.
Model or product’s reference.
Information for particular storage conditions (temperature, pressure, light, humidity).
12 Standards, for the Certified Quality Management System for medical devices (e.g. ISO 13485), or Good Manufacturing
manufacturer Practice (GMP)).
13 Standards, for the Free Sales Certificate (FSC) provided by any of the following countries:
product performance Australia, Canada, Japan, USA and European Community (e.g. FDA and/or CE certificate given by a
third certified party for the specific medical devices proposed (no only declaration of conformity)
If the FSC comes from other national regulatory agency, it should be supported by the following
certificates of quality performance, alternative national equivalent test are acceptable:
ISO 18562-1:2017: Biocompatibility evaluation of breathing gas pathways in healthcare applications
— Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process.
ISO 20789:2018: Anaesthetic and respiratory equipment — Passive humidifiers.
ISO 17510:2015 Medical devices - Sleep apnoea breathing therapy - Masks and application
accessories.
IEC 60601-1-1:2015 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-1: General requirements for safety -
Collateral standard: Safety requirements for medical electrical systems.
IEC 60601-1-2:2014 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety
and essential performance - Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements and
tests.
14 Warranty Minimum 2 years.
Availability of accessories, consumables and spare parts for at least 2 years.

Methodology and references

Technical specifications define the minimum requirements for the product to ensure quality, safety and efficacy. The
process to develop these specifications included:

1. Analysis of the technologies required for clinical management of COVID-19 patients

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/patient-management.
2. Analysis of products that meet requirements based on regulatory agency approvals, including information
published by the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF).
3. Rapidly manufactured ventilator system (RMVS) document RMVS001 - specification issued by MHRA:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/876167/RM
VS001_v3.1.pdf.
4. Device overviews, specifications and comparative data published by ECRI: Evidence-based Practice Center, a
non-profit, independent organization that conducts independent medical device evaluations:
https://www.ecri.org/.

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 Technical specifications for invasive and non-invasive ventilators for COVID-19: interim guidance

5. Revision and comments from WHO Respiratory Experts, ad hoc panel, and Clinical Engineers Experts, ad hoc
panel. All members have provided conflict of interest declarations to WHO; no relevant conflicts have been
identified.

WHO continues to monitor the situation closely for any changes that may affect this interim guidance. Should any factors change,
WHO will issue a further update. Otherwise, this interim guidance document will expire 2 years after the date of publication.

© World Health Organization 2020. Some rights reserved. This work is available under the CC BY-NC-SA
3.0 IGO licence.

WHO reference number: WHO/2019-nCoV/Clinical/Ventilator_Specs/2020.1

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