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Published on: January 30, 2011
Halothane interference with pO2 measurements and a method of inhibiting its effects
Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
|December 17, 1979
Summary
Blood-gas analysers can be affected by halothane. Adding a silicone-rubber membrane to the oxygen electrode significantly reduced this interference.
Area of Science:
- Medical instrumentation
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Blood-gas analyzers are crucial for monitoring patient status during anesthesia.
- Halothane, a volatile anesthetic, can potentially interfere with medical device readings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of halothane on the oxygen electrode of a specific blood-gas analyzer.
- To evaluate methods for mitigating this interference.
Main Methods:
- The oxygen electrode of an Instrumentation Laboratories Inc. Model 313 blood-gas analyzer was exposed to halothane.
- Measurements were taken with and without a silicone-rubber membrane placed over the electrode's polypropylene membrane.
Main Results:
- The oxygen electrode showed a response to halothane, with peak effect observed 30-90 minutes post-exposure.
- Covering the electrode with a silicone-rubber membrane reduced the halothane interference approximately tenfold.
Conclusions:
- The oxygen electrode in this blood-gas analyzer is susceptible to interference from halothane.
- A simple modification using a silicone-rubber membrane can significantly mitigate this interference, improving measurement accuracy.
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