Designing a medical gas system is no small task. Between meeting strict NFPA 99 compliance, accurately sizing for current and future needs, and preparing for evolving medical technologies, the complexity can quickly escalate. That’s why engaging medical gas system consultants early in the design process isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
Early collaboration and consultation with experts ensures systems are optimized, efficient, and compliant—helping engineers sidestep costly pitfalls and create designs that stand the test of time.
THE VALUE OF EXPERT INSIGHT—FROM DAY ONE
Medical gas systems must do more than meet today’s demands—they need to be future-ready. Whether it’s anticipating the needs of new medical devices, accommodating future facility expansions, or navigating regulatory shifts, engineers benefit immensely from the early guidance of seasoned consultants.
“We’re not just selling equipment,” said Elizabeth Abell, Medical & Laboratory Gas Consultant at Pattons Medical. “We work alongside engineers to ensure their designs meet both today’s and tomorrow’s needs. We can assist as early as schematic design—offering training, guidance, and real-world expertise. That’s not something a product catalog can do.”
Medical gas consultants collaborate directly with manufacturers and distributors, staying up-to-date on the latest technologies and regulatory changes, especially as NFPA 99 continues to evolve. This makes them a crucial resource for engineers who want to build efficient, code-compliant, and scalable systems—right from the start.
AVOIDING EXPENSIVE DESIGN PITFALLS
Waiting too long to bring in a medical gas expert can lead to design flaws, code violations, or underperforming systems—problems that are expensive and time-consuming to fix once a project is already in motion.
Common issues include:
Incorrectly sized systems
Underestimating SCFM demand
Overlooking new or future medical devices
Failing to account for expansion
Poor component placement
Missed value-engineering opportunities
Noncompliance with updated NFPA 99 codes
These aren’t just theoretical problems. For example, failing to size a system for modern external catheter devices or placing a zone valve box in an inaccessible location can significantly compromise performance—or worse, patient safety.
“An engineer could get halfway through the design process before realizing they need a bigger system or a logistical overhaul,” said Wyatt Franks, Director of Sales at Pattons Medical. “At that point, going back to the hospital to request changes is awkward and expensive. We’ve also seen projects where systems were undersized due to overlooked future expansions. Fixing that after installation is a nightmare.”
And the consequences can be severe. Misplaced alarms and under-capacity systems don’t just increase costs—they can put lives at risk.
SMART DESIGN THROUGH VALUE-ENGINEERING
Medical gas consultants also provide crucial Value-Engineering (VE) insights, helping engineers reduce both initial and long-term costs without compromising performance or compliance. This includes:
Designing systems that prevent costly changes
Ensuring proper placement of components
Keeping specs in line with both code and facility needs
Avoiding overdesign or underdesign
Balancing cost with compliance
NFPA 99 updates every two years, but adoption varies by state. Some hospitals operate under 2012 codes, while others are aligned with 2024 standards. Consultants help engineers navigate these nuances, ensuring compliance without unnecessary overspending.
“VE isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about delivering the best system for the best value,” said Steve Torrez, Medical & Laboratory Gas Consultant at Pattons Medical. “Engineers rely on us to get it right the first time. The cost of non-compliance is far higher than the cost of proper planning.”
BUILDING LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS
The best medical gas consultants don’t walk away once the system is installed. They become long-term partners, offering support through system expansions, upgrades, compliance audits, and capital planning.
Because they’ve been there since the beginning, they understand a facility’s unique needs and infrastructure. That makes them an invaluable extension of the engineering team over time.
“Hospitals don’t just need products—they need partners who understand their long-term needs,” Torrez said. “We’ve had hospitals come back a decade after installation for system retrofits. Because we were involved from day one, we already knew how to optimize their setup.”
THE BOTTOM LINE: NO ROOM FOR GUESSWORK
Reliable, compliant, and scalable medical gas systems are critical to patient safety. Miscalculations and late-stage redesigns aren’t just inconvenient—they’re dangerous.
“Medical gas systems are critical to patient safety. There’s no room for guessing or miscalculations,” said Greg Hood, Vice President of Pattons Medical. “We stay engaged for the life of the system.”
Involving the right experts early leads to smarter designs, fewer surprises, and systems that perform when it matters most.
