Determination of the Gas-Fluid Difference of Amniotic Fluid P_O2

Abstract

The gas-fluid difference for oxygen tension of human amniotic fluid was studied with a bubble equilibrator and a polarographic oxygen electrode of the Clark type. Oxygen tensions of 22 and 70 mm Hg were used. At a P_O2 of about 22 mm Hg the gas-fluid difference averaged 0.4% and at about 70 mm Hg 4.0%. The methodological error of P_O2 determinations on equilibrated amniotic fluid at about 22 mm Hg was ± 0.10 mm Hg and at about 70 mm Hg ± 0.23 mm Hg.

Key Words:

• Amniotic fluid
• oxygen tension