Laerdal Portable Suction Units & Spare Parts
Laerdal is a Norwegian emergency care company, and MEC supplies its portable suction units and spare parts. The range covers the Laerdal Suction Unit (LSU), the compact LCSU 4 in 300 mL and 800 mL versions, and the canisters, filters, NiMH batteries, chargers, holders and mounting parts to keep them running. It suits ambulance services, first responders, hospitals, clinics and event medical teams.
LSU or LCSU 4: Comparing Laerdal Suction Units
| Laerdal Suction Unit (LSU) | LCSU 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Ambulance, transport and ward use where longer run time matters | Grab-and-go kits for first responders, where size and weight matter most |
| Maximum vacuum | Over 500 mmHg | Over 550 mmHg |
| Free air flow | Over 25 L/min at maximum vacuum | Typically 30 L/min |
| Battery | 12 V 2 Ah NiMH, field-changeable without tools | 12 V 1.6 Ah NiMH |
| Run time (free flow) | About 45 min at 500+ mmHg, up to about 3 h 20 min at 80 mmHg | About 45 min |
| Collection | 1000 mL reusable canister or Serres suction bag | 300 mL or 800 mL disposable canister |
| Weight | 4 kg with battery | 1.6 kg (300 mL) or 2 kg (800 mL) |
Choosing a Canister System
LSU. The LSU accepts different canister systems and can be converted between them. MEC supplies it with the Laerdal reusable canister, which is cleaned and reprocessed between patients, or with a Serres disposable suction bag, where only the bag is replaced. That reduces cleaning time on busy services. Each system has its own holder: reusable, Serres or Bemis.
LCSU 4. The LCSU 4 canister clicks straight onto the pump with no vacuum tube between them, and an internal filter in the lid shuts off suction when the canister is full or the unit tips over. Canisters are single-use and cannot be cleaned. Choose the 300 mL version for the smallest kit, or the 800 mL version for more capacity. Laerdal states either version can be converted to the other by ordering extra parts.
Filtration upgrade: Where cross-contamination risk is high, Laerdal offers high efficiency filter kits. The LCSU 4 kit (800 mL version) is rated at least 99.9% viral and bacterial filtration efficiency. The LSU Serres kit is rated 99.97% down to 0.3 µm.
Laerdal Suction Spare Parts by Unit
| Unit | Spares and consumables |
|---|---|
| LSU | NiMH battery, DC power cord, aerosol filter, float ball, angled connector, vacuum seal, fastening brackets, tubing strap and hook, water container and holder |
| LCSU 4 | NiMH battery, battery cover, AC/DC adapter charger, 12 V DC cord, 300 mL canister, 800 mL canister with tubing, patient tube (1.8 m), vacuum tube, wire stand |
Important — Single-use canisters: LCSU 4 canisters and Serres suction bags are single-use and must be disposed of as clinical waste after use. Suction pressure for each patient, particularly infants and children, should follow clinical protocol. Both units mark the lower paediatric vacuum range on the control panel.
Laerdal Suction FAQ
How long does a Laerdal suction unit battery last?
On free flow, the LCSU 4 runs for about 45 minutes on a full charge. The LSU's run time depends on the vacuum setting, from about 45 minutes at 500+ mmHg to about 3 hours 20 minutes at 80 mmHg. A flat LSU battery reaches about 80% in 3 hours and a full charge in 4 hours. The LCSU 4 battery can take up to 5 hours.
Can I run a Laerdal suction unit from a vehicle?
Yes. Both units have a 12 V DC power cord for vehicle connection, sold separately as a spare.
Are LCSU 4 canisters reusable?
No. LCSU 4 canisters are disposable and cannot be cleaned. The LSU's Laerdal reusable canister is the option for services that reprocess canisters.
Browse the full Laerdal range above, or explore our wider suction range. For ambulance, fleet or bulk orders, contact the MEC team.