Laboratory evaluation and use of the Engström metabolic computer in the clinical setting

Laboratory evaluation and use of the Engström metabolic computer (EMC) in a clinical setting are described. The accuracy of the EMC was tested using an inert gas dilution technique. Mean errors in oxygen consumption (VO2) and CO2 production compared with predicted values were less than 2% of predicted, and generally less than 1%, but with an SD of less than or equal to 5.1%. At an FIO2 of greater than or equal to 0.7, the errors in VO2 were erratic and generally greater than 15%. The apparatus has the facility to assume an RQ in the calculation of VO2 and the errors in measured VO2 were less than 1% up to an FIO2 of 0.8.