The effect of single use laryngoscopy equipment on illumination for tracheal intubation*

We measured the illumination generated by all 30 Macintosh size 3 laryngoscopes in our department with a lux-meter and a standardised laryngoscope holding tube. We found a large range in illumination generated (65-3130 lx). We then measured the effect on the illumination for each laryngoscope by covering the blade with a cover (LaryGard). In every case, the illumination was reduced by the LaryGard, the mean (SD) reduction was 67 (19)%. When we compared the illumination generated by a disposable laryngoscope blade with the same power source, we found that the illumination was reduced less than with the standard Macintosh covered by a LaryGard.