Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Two instruments (Radiometer and Hewlett-Packard) for measuring transcutaneous carbon dioxide levels have been compared. Their warm-up times, speed of response and accuracy in predicting arterial PCO2 have been assessed in six normal subjects and ten patients with respiratory problems. They both performed well with similar accuracy in predicting PaCO2 [95% confidence limits +/- 0.9 kPa (6.7 mmHg)]. The warm-up time following application depended on actual PaCO2, but was approximately 10 min for normal subjects and 15 min in patients. Their response to step changes in PaCO2 was complete in approximately 6 min. Prior skin abrasion (essential for the Hewlett-Packard) increased the speed of response of the Radiometer considerably and this is the faster instrument. The Hewlett-Packard proved easier to use. These instruments are a significant advance in non-invasive monitoring.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Bull Eur Physiopathol Respir

Publication Date

07/1983

Volume

19

Pages

407 - 410

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Carbon Dioxide, Evaluation Studies as Topic, Humans, Lung Diseases, Obstructive, Middle Aged, Monitoring, Physiologic, Partial Pressure, Skin