A portable and inexpensive computer system to interpret arterial blood gases

The hand-held computer (HHC) allows computer technology to be brought inexpensively to the patient's bedside. In this paper we describe HHC applications software that interprets oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status--and also provides a differential diagnosis and makes suggestions for therapy. Although this software was designed to be used in an emergency department, it has equally useful applications elsewhere such as in critical care units. Computerized arterial blood gas interpretation is especially helpful to students and others who infrequently interpret arterial blood gases. The software described here has been enthusiastically accepted by emergency department personnel in our institution.