What distinguishes therapeutic use from diagnostic use of medical gases?

Therapeutic use of medical gases is specifically aimed at treating medical conditions or diseases. For instance, oxygen therapy is used to alleviate hypoxemia, while nitric oxide is employed to manage pulmonary hypertension. This approach focuses on providing relief or restoring normal physiological function.

On the other hand, diagnostic use of medical gases involves their application to evaluate or determine the presence of certain health conditions. For example, carbon dioxide can be used in CO2 insufflation during certain imaging procedures to improve visibility, while other gases might be used for tests like blood gas analyses or pulmonary function tests. The purpose here is not treatment, but rather obtaining information about a patient’s health status.

The distinction is critical in both the application and the intent behind the use of medical gases, as each serves different roles within patient care processes. Understanding this difference helps healthcare providers decide how best to use medical gases according to the patient's needs and the intended outcomes.