Updated ISO standard for oropharyngeal airways, ISO 5364:2008

As you may be aware, the ISO standard for oropharyngeal airways, ISO 5364:2008 has been updated. The new version, ISO 5364:2016, includes a requirement for oropharyngeal airways to be colour coded for size. The standard specifies the colour that should be visible from the flanged end of the device. This is intended to improve patient safety.

Intersurgical is in the process of making the necessary changes to the colour coding system of our range of Guedel airways so they are consistent with the requirements of ISO 5364:2016. Most of the current range is already compliant, but four sizes will be changing, as shown in the table below. The changes are marked in red.  

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This colour change affects all of Intersurgical’s Guedel Airway products, including bulk-packed options.

(S*) Add an S to the seven digit code number for the sterile version of this product eg. 5000000S

You should start to see the new colours coming through during Q1 2022. A range of support materials that Intersurgical has produced in order to smooth the transition from the previous colours to the new ISO required colours will be available, these include; a poster, adverts, an information booklet, a video and flyers. 

Each department will need to consider locally how this change will be implemented as it may take time for existing stock to be used.

How to tell between old and new colours

If you are unsure whether your Guedel is compliant with the new ISO colour guidance, please compare the colour and ISO size printed on the flange of the Guedel with the table above. 

All boxes of Guedel Airways will now be supplied with an information leaflet confirming details regarding the colour changes for the Intersurgical range.  All boxes will have a sticker on the outside of the box to alert of the colour change.

For more information, contact us at sales@hayesfirstaid.com or 069 66006 / 01 5079901.