Quantitative Analysis of Blood Gases by Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography

Abstract

The Van Slyke's method has been used almost extensively in quantitative analysis of the blood gases. A mixture of 02, CO2 and one other gas which are solved in blood may be analysed with the Van Slyke's method since the amount of the first two gases are measurable with this method. However, it is impossible to analyse a gas mixture containing more than three sorts of gases. Mass spectrometry and gas chromatography, on the other hand, are considered to be suitable for the analysis of a mixture of many kinds of gases which are present in small amounts, such as the blood gases in anesthetized individuals. Total extraction of gases contained in the blood is required in the physical method of analysis of blood gases, instead in the Van Slyke's method. We have deviced a new blood gas extraction apparatus with referrence to that of Faulconer, in which helium is used as the internal standard. The blood gases extracted by this method were analysed with mass spectrometer and gas chromatograph and the values obtained were compared with those measured by the Van Slyke's method. This method may be suitable for the analysis of the blood gases, if the blood gas extraction is performed correctly. The mass spectrum also of a new anesthetic agent, Fluothane (halothane), were also presented.