Colorimetric end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring during transfer of intubated children.

We report the use of a cheap, pocket-sized colorimeter to assess the end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration during transfer of intubated children. The device provided breath by breath confirmation of tracheal tube placement and identified one episode of reduced pulmonary perfusion. We would advocate the use of this detector to provide early warning of tracheal tube displacement during the transfer of children weighing more than 15 kg.