A comparison of four different blood gas analysers

Abstract

Four automatic blood gas analysers from four different manufacturers were evaluated and compared. The measurements were performed on blood representing respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia, normal conditions, and respiratory alkalosis and hyperoxemia. On each level nine complete runs were carried out, each run consisting of six replicates of each parameter (pH, Pco₂ and Po₂) on each instrument (six rounds). Only the directly measured parameters (pH, Pco₂, Po₂) were compared. The main conclusion is that the four instruments can be used alternatively, and that the differences between the values measured by the four instruments are of little clinical significance.

Key Words:

• blood gas analysers
• Pco₂ and Po₂; pH
• tonometry