Measurement of (H+) and CO2

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the measurement of hydrogen ion concentration and carbon dioxide in clinical aspects. pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion activity in a liquid. Hydrogen ion activity is not exactly the same as hydrogen ion concentration (H+), but for practical purposes in the clinical situation, these may be regarded as equivalent. This chapter illustrates a (H+) electrode assembly. The (H+) electrode is an example of an ion-selective electrode, and it depends for its operation on an hydrogen-ion sensitive glass at its tip. A potential develops across this glass, which depends on the difference of (H+) across it. The (H+) within the (H+) electrode is maintained at a constant value by a buffer solution so that the potential across the glass is dependent on the (H+) in the blood sample in the channel.