Halothane interference with transcutaneous oxygen monitoring: in vivo and in vitro

The effect of halothane on electrodes covered with polypropylene and FEP teflon membranes, used for monitoring transcutaneous oxygen tension, was compared in vitro and in patients anesthetized with halothane. In vitro experiments with halothane showed a false increase in PO2 measured by the electrode covered with polypropylene membrane while there was no increase in PO2 values recorded by an electrode covered with teflon membrane. In 15 patients anesthetized with halothane, no interference with transcutaneous oxygen measurement was seen with electrodes covered with either a polypropylene or FEP teflon membrane.