Modified conventional type of pCO2-electrode with monocrystalline antimony as the pH-sensing element.

Abstract

Rapid determinations of bloodgas parameters are desirable in today's clinical care. This calls for continuousin vivo measurements with miniaturised electrodes. In this study we have replaced the commonly used glass pH sensor in a pCO2-electrode of the conventional type with a monocrystalline antimony electrode. The disadvantages of the glass electrode, such as instability and fragility when miniaturised, are of minor importance for an antimony electrode. The results, which confirm that the antimony pCO2-electrode does not need frequent calibration, have been obtained using macroscale electrodes. However, the favourable characteristics of the antimony electrode are known to be maintained even after miniaturisation. Therefore, it seems possible that in the future we shall be able to measure bloodgas parameters such as pCO2 in vivo with reasonable accuracy.