What defines medical gases?

Medical gases are specifically characterized as gases that are manufactured, purified, and supplied for use in patient care and medical procedures. This definition encompasses not just oxygen but also other gases such as nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and helium, among others, that have specific therapeutic or diagnostic purposes in a clinical setting.

The manufacturing and purification aspect is crucial because medical gases must meet stringent quality standards to ensure safety and efficacy. They are used in a variety of applications, including anesthesia, respiratory therapy, and various medical procedures, thereby playing a vital role in healthcare.

The other options do not capture the complete scope and regulatory aspects associated with medical gases. While oxygen is certainly a medical gas, it is not the only one, and not all gases produced during metabolism are categorized as medical gases. Moreover, gases found in the atmosphere, while they may include components used in medical treatments, do not fit the criteria of being processed and supplied specifically for those purposes.