By: Mandi Gerigk CVT, BAS
August 2025
Clinical Specialist, Monitoring and Critical Care
When adding capnography to your anesthesia monitoring protocol, one of the most common questions is: sidestream or mainstream? Both are trusted methods used in veterinary settings, and both can deliver reliable CO₂ readings. Understanding those differences can help your team select the best option for your patients and procedures.
When evaluating capnography options, some monitors will have a choice of sidestream or mainstream sensor styles. Both methods are clinically valid and used effectively in veterinary anesthesia, but understanding how each functions can help your team select the best fit for patients and workflow.
The Critical Role of Capnography
Mandi Gerigk CVT, BAS, shares practical insights on using capnography to enhance patient safety during anesthesia.
Both options provide accurate CO₂ measurements when maintained properly. The choice ultimately depends on patient size, procedural needs and clinical preference.
While each style has its strengths, most practices will be well served by either option. Advances in sensor design have minimized many of the traditional trade-offs, making the decision less about technical limitations and more about how the equipment fits into your workflow. In general, sidestream is the preferred choice for use in equine cases, large-breed animals, or around CT equipment. For most small animal procedures, either option will perform effectively and reliably.
Midmark Multiparameter Monitors are compatible with both sidestream and mainstream capnography, allowing your team to choose the sensor style that best fits the patient or procedure. You can switch between sensor types as needed, depending on the case—giving you the versatility to support a wide range of caseloads and clinical settings.
Explore anesthesia and monitoring solutions with trusted delivery systems, innovative monitors and hands-on training that builds confidence and supports safer, more efficient care.
Sources
1. Tinker JH, Dull DL, Caplan RA, Ward RJ, Cheney FW. Role of monitoring devices in prevention of anesthetic mishaps: a closed claims analysis. Anesthesiology. 1989;71(4):541-546.