What are suction regulators and collection jars?

The NHS England guidance HTM 02-01 (2026) asks for vacuum to be applied through a suction control device, with the fluid collected in suction jars. The control device should include a slam-shut mechanism and a hydrophobic filter to minimise the risk of carry-over into the pipeline system (4.108).

This keeps the fluid at the bedside. HTM 02-01 does not permit wet vacuum systems, in which bodily or other fluids are drawn through a fixed pipeline from a terminal unit to a remote suction jar (3.11).

Where they are used

Ward-level regulators and jars are used at piped vacuum outlets, for example in wards, intensive care units and recovery rooms. For emergencies, or where a pipeline would be used rarely, HTM 02-01 asks for mobile electric vacuum (MEV) units: typically one on the resuscitation trolley and at least one per 15 outlets in each non-critical ward or department with piped vacuum. In critical care the number is set by risk assessment, as a general rule one unit for every five patients (2.56 to 2.58).

What they do not do

• They do not replace the plant's protection: the vacuum plant should still have duplex bacteria filters with drainage traps (HTM 02-01, 10.23).
• The vacuum outlet is not for surgical smoke: piped medical vacuum should not be used to extract fumes, and a purpose-designed local exhaust ventilation is required (10.62).

From Ultra Controlo

Ultra Controlo supplies a ward vacuum regulator unit, designed for medical vacuum pipeline outlets in hospital wards, ICU and recovery rooms, and a medical suction collection jar that captures condensate and liquid to protect downstream vacuum equipment.