PH Blood Gas Analyzer

Definition:
Blood gas analysis, also called arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, is a test which
measures the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as the
.acidity (pH) of the blood

Purpose:
An ABG analysis evaluates how effectively the lungs are delivering oxygen to the
blood and how efficiently they are eliminating carbon dioxide from it. The test also
indicates how well the lungs and kidneys are interacting to maintain normal blood pH
(acid-base balance). Blood gas studies are usually done to assess respiratory
disease and other conditions that may affect the lungs, and to manage patients
receiving
oxygen therapy (respiratory therapy). In addition, the acid-base component of the test
.provides information on kidney function

Blood gas analysis is performed on blood from an artery. It measures the partial
pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as oxygen content,
oxygen saturation, bicarbonate content, and blood pH

?What are Blood Gases

There are two broad components to the blood gas panel: respiratory and metabolic.
:The values reported are as follows
pH--This is a logarithmic expression of hydrogen ion concentration--the acidity or -1
.alkalinity of the blood
The normal human arterial pH is 7.4. Any pH below this is acid, and any pH above it is alkaline. There is a narrow range of pH values (7.35 to 7.45) that the human body
and its complicated system of enzyme-supported system operates within. pH values
.below 7.0 and above 7.6 are incompatible with life
HCO3--This value is derived through the blood gas analyzer's manipulation of the -2
Henderson-Hasslebach Equation. An uncompensated decrease in the HCO 3 value
causes a decline in pH. An increased HCO3 results in alkalinization of the blood.
Either condition can be life threatening. Decreased HCO 3 is often the result of kidney
or other major organ failure or uncontrolled diabetes. Increased HCO 3 is more rare
and is usually the result of inappropriate administration of certain drugs such as some
.kinds of diuretics or an excess of NaHCO3

PCO2--This value is measured directly by the CO2 electrode. An increased PCO2 is -3

often the result of acute, chronic or impending respiratory failure, whereas a
decreased PCO2 is the result of hyperventilation stimulated by a metabolic acidosis or
.hysteria and severe anxiety reactions. The normal arterial PCO 2 is 40 mmHg
PO2--The partial pressure of oxygen in the blood is measured directly by a -4
polarographic O2 electrode. The normal acceptable range is roughly between 85 and
100. An increased PO2 is usually the result of excessive oxygen administration that
needs to be adjusted downwards on such results. A decreased PO 2 is often the result
.of any number of respiratory or cardiopulmonary problems
.

Normal results:
Normal blood gas values are as follows:

partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2): 75100 mm Hg

partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2): 3545 mm Hg
oxygen content (O2CT): 1523%
oxygen saturation (SaO2): 94100%
bicarbonate (HCO3): 2226 mEq/liter
pH: 7.357.45

Abnormal results
Values that differ from those listed above may indicate respiratory, metabolic, or
kidney disease. These results also may be abnormal if the patient has experienced
trauma that may affect breathing (especially head and neck injuries). Disorders, such
as anemia, that affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, can produce an
.abnormally low oxygen content value

Principle of operation

:Principle of measurement
Potential difference (voltage) between a measuring electrode and a
reference electrode is proportional to the concentration of hydrogen
.ions in a solution

Ion Selective Electrodes (ISE)

Ion Selective Electrodes (ISE) are membrane electrodes that respond selectively to ions in the
presence of others. These include probes that measure specific ions and gasses in solution. The
.most commonly used ISE is the pH probe

PH Electrode .1

Reference electrode: Silver/silver chloride in saturated potassium chloride

solution. Membrane covered tip in contact with blood. (pH of this electrode is known.)

Measuring electrode: Silver/silver chloride in buffer solution to maintain constant

[H+]; pH sensitive glass tip in contact with blood potential develops across this
.entirely dependent on activity of H+ in blood
.Blood acts as bridge between electrodes and completes the circuit

Clarks electrode2 Measuring paO2

Severinghaus electrode -3
Measuring paCO2

The system block diagram

SOME MODELS OF THE BLOOD GAS ANALYZER

The first blood gas analyzer

A modern blood gas analyzer

AVL 995 Automatic Blood Gas System

Bayer Rapidlab 840 Blood Gas Analyzer

Bayer Rapidlab 845 Blood Gas Analyzer

Diametrics Medical IRMA SL Series 2000 Blood Gas Analyze

IL Synthesis 1715 Blood Gas Analyzer

Ciba Corning 840, 850, 860 Series

Blood Gas Critical Analyte System

Simpler, Safer Sample Handling