Which safety mechanism prevents the incorrect gas cylinder connection to an anesthesia machine?

The pin index safety system is a critical safety feature designed to prevent the wrong gas cylinder from being connected to an anesthesia machine. This mechanism utilizes a specific arrangement of pins on the cylinder valve that matches corresponding holes in the yoke of the anesthesia machine. Each type of medical gas cylinder has a unique pin configuration, ensuring that only the correct gas can be attached to the corresponding machine inlet. This design minimizes the risk of administering the wrong type of gas, which could have serious consequences for patient safety.

While other options may relate to safety or gas handling in different contexts, the pin index safety system is specifically tailored to ensure accurate and safe connections for gas cylinders in the field of anesthesia, thus highlighting its importance in clinical settings where precision and safety are paramount.