Determination of total CO2 in plasma by automated flow-injection analysis

We describe a procedure for measuring total CO2 in plasma, based on the principles of the flow-injection analysis technique, which makes use of unsegmented fast-flowing reagent streams, as developed by Růziĉka and co-workers. The further methodological design resembles the silicone-rubber membrane technique of Kenny and Cheng. CO2 in the sample is released by reaction with H2SO4. Appropriate amounts of CO2 permeate through the membrane that separates the acid reagent streams and a buffered cresol-red indicator system. The experimental set-up and functioning of this system are described.