Problems in determination of oxygen dissociation of avian blood

No appreciable errors are expected in determination of blood gas values and pH using classical techniques provided time of anaerobic storage is kept small and is, if unavoidable performed on ice. In particular, dissociation curves may safely be analyzed with the Van Slyke technique which is in disagreement with the conclusions of Lutz et al. (1973). For measurement of PO2 and PCO2, delay time is mainly dictated by response time of the electrodes; measurements may have to be corrected for metabolism, particularly in high PO2 range.