Blood Gas Analyzers and Methodology

The basic electrochemical techniques required for blood gas analysis were first introduced in the 1890s, leading to the development of arterial blood gas (ABG) analyzers that became clinically available in the 1950s. Modern blood gas analyzers utilize various electrodes to measure parameters such as partial pressures of arterial oxygen (PaO2), partial pressures of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), and pH, making them vital diagnostic tools in healthcare settings. This chapter discusses the technical aspects of blood gas analysis, including the equipment and methods used to measure blood gases, as well as the differences between bench-top laboratory analyzers and portable patient-side analyzers. The importance of point-of-care testing (POCT) is highlighted, emphasizing its role in providing immediate laboratory results that enhance clinical decision-making, particularly in emergency and critical care situations. The analysis of blood gases, electrolytes, and metabolites is crucial for understanding patients’ respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes through rapid and accurate testing.