Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 14, 2026

Concentration effect

In the study of inhaled anesthetics, the concentration effect is the increase in the rate that the Fa /Fi ratio rises as the alveolar concentration of that gas is increased. In simple terms, the higher the concentration of gas administered, the faster the alveolar concentration of that gas approaches the inspired concentration. In modern practice it is only relevant for nitrous oxide since other inhaled anesthetics are delivered at much lower concentrations due to their higher potency.

Last revised
Jun 14, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
154 w
Citations
Source

In the study of inhaled anesthetics, the concentration effect is the increase in the rate that the Fa (alveolar concentration)/Fi (inspired concentration) ratio rises as the alveolar concentration of that gas is increased. In simple terms, the higher the concentration of gas administered, the faster the alveolar concentration of that gas approaches the inspired concentration. In modern practice it is only relevant for nitrous oxide since other inhaled anesthetics are delivered at much lower concentrations due to their higher potency.

See also

See also

References

References