Facts about solution based and cartridge based devices for blood gas analysis

This paper describes the methods and principles of the analyses of blood gases using membrane electrode for measuring pH, pCO
2
, pO
2
and reference electrode. Advantages and disadvantages of using this technology are shown on the basis of samples used on the actual device installed at the central laboratory of the Clinical Centre of University Sarajevo. Paper describes principles of operation and conditioning of electrodes, proper handling, calibration process through one or two points, the importance of replacing the electrode membrane, and the procedure for checking the quality and reliability of the measurements themselves.