A study of the pH monitor in cats

A study of the accuracy of the tpH electrode was performed in 10 cats. Hypoxia and acidosis were produced by ventilatory means and bicarbonate infusions were used to elevate the pH . Tissue pH correlated well with arterial (r = 0.9) within the physiological rates of change of pH. Prolonged tissue acidosis lead to eventual death. The correct and stable mechanical fixation of the pH electrode is a critical factor in assuring accurate results. The ROCHE tpH electrode accurately reflects arterial pH, and a correlation coefficient of at least 0.85 should be attainable in the human fetus.