Brain Death

Prerequisites
  • pH between 7.35 and 7.45.
  • PaCO2 as close to 40 as possible.
  • A glucose under 300 and a sodium under 170, hopefully under 160.
  • No sedative or analgesic agents, and if they were on board, then 5 half-lives have to have passed.
  • A normal body temperature of at least 36.5.
  • Pre-oxygenated on an FIO2 of 100%.
  • Systolic blood pressure has to be over 100 with a map over 75. That can be achieved with pressors if needed
  • They need an a-line and very good IV access
 

Apnea Test

  • preoxygenate, often to PaO2 > 200, take off ventilator but continously supply oxygen
  • observe for signs of spontaneous breathing