What does the term MAC stand for?

What does the term MAC stand for?

• A. Maximum arterial concentration
• B. A sandwich at McDonalds
• C. Minimum alveolar concentration
• D. Mild acid concentration

Answer: (C)

MAC stands for Minimum Alveolar Concentration. It measures the potency of an inhaled anesthetic by the alveolar concentration required to prevent movement in 50% of subjects in response to a painful stimulus. A lower MAC means a more potent agent, and MAC is expressed as a percent of the inspired gas. It helps veterinarians gauge how much anesthetic to deliver and how factors like age, temperature, or use of adjunct drugs can lower or raise the needed concentration. It’s not related to maximum arterial concentration, food, or mild acid concentration.

MAC stands for Minimum Alveolar Concentration. It measures the potency of an inhaled anesthetic by the alveolar concentration required to prevent movement in 50% of subjects in response to a painful stimulus. A lower MAC means a more potent agent, and MAC is expressed as a percent of the inspired gas. It helps veterinarians gauge how much anesthetic to deliver and how factors like age, temperature, or use of adjunct drugs can lower or raise the needed concentration. It’s not related to maximum arterial concentration, food, or mild acid concentration.