Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department
Published on: January 29, 2011
Mean alveolar gases and alveolar-arterial gradients in pulmonary patients
Abstract:
In view of uncertainties about the best way to estimate mean alveolar gases in patients with ventilation-perfusion inequalities, three different methods were evaluated on 54 patients. 1) O2 and CO2 were recorded by mass spectrometer on an O2 (x)-CO2 (y) diagram. The coordinates at the intersect of the expiratory record with the mixed expired R line (RE) ives the mean alveolar values (PAo2 and PAco2. 2)pa'co2 was calculated with the Bohr equation using a predicted anatomic dead space and PA'o2 was derived with the alveolar equation. 3) End-tidal (ET) P02 were averaged over 1 min at rest in steady state. Mean RET calculated from 3 was identical with RE. Mean values for PAco2, PA'CO2. and PETco2 differed by less that 1 Torr, but the variance was least with the end-tidal method. There was a highly significant correlation between delta aAPco2 using PETco2 and VD/VT, better than with either of the other methods. The end-tidal measurement appears to give the best approximation of mean alveolar gas in pulmonary patients.
More Related Videos
07:09Assessment of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume, Membrane Diffusing Capacity, and Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses During Exercise
Published on: February 20, 2017
08:44Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method
Published on: February 2, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Gas Exchange and Transport
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...
Physical Principles Governing Gas Exchange
Gas Laws Governing Respiration
The behavior of gases is guided by Dalton's Law of partial pressures and Henry's Law.
Dalton's Law asserts that the total pressure exerted by...
External and Internal Respiration
Blood Studies I: ABG and VBG
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) studies are crucial for assessing the lungs' ability to supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, reflecting the patient's ventilation status. They also help understand the kidneys' capacity to reabsorb or...