What is the purpose of a pressure regulator in medical gas administration?

The purpose of a pressure regulator in medical gas administration is to reduce and control the pressure of gas from the cylinder. Medical gas cylinders are filled with gases at very high pressures, often in excess of 2,000 psi. If this high-pressure gas were delivered directly to a patient, it could cause serious harm or injury.

The pressure regulator serves an essential role by stepping down this high pressure to a safe, manageable level suitable for patient administration, usually around 50 psi. It ensures consistent pressure regardless of the cylinder's remaining gas volume, which is critical for the safety and efficacy of the therapy being provided.

Other mechanisms such as cooling the gas or filtering contaminants may be relevant in medical gas handling but do not describe the primary function of a pressure regulator. The primary focus of this device is precisely to control pressure, making it an integral part of safe medical gas delivery systems.