Rebreathing kit

Rebreathing kit, with one soda-lime absorber and one absorber containing cotton-wool type material, with lengths of transparent corrugated hose, 1979

Soda lime is used to filter out carbon dioxide from a patient's breathing during a surgical operation. Once removed, the patient can take in any oxygen, moisture, or anaesthetic gases. Rebreathing circuits lower the need for gas flow in the operating theatre, reducing waste and enviornmental impact.

Soda lime often has a dye added so it can be quickly identified when it has become saturated and needs to be replaced.