Measuring CO2/O2 concentrations in blood (2 Viewers)

[elisabeth]

For an assessment:

Investigate, analyse and present information to indentify current technologies that allow measurement of oxygen saturation and carbon dioxide concentrations in the blood and explain the conditions in which these technologies might be used.

I've researched pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas analysis, that's fine. My questions:

- Are two technologies enough, or should I go for something else?
- If so, what?
- I've researched a bit on capnometers/capnometry, although it's hard to find anything. But they measure concentrations in expired air. Do you think this would still be relevant for this dot point?

If anyone has any good sites on capnometers or notes, they would be well appreciated. Thanks

 

[*sarah*]

i would say that the two are enough - i only did two. i think perhaps stay away from capnometers cause the dot point specifically says concentration in blood, which could differ from expired air. well thats just my 2 cents lol.

 

[xiao1985]

"... explain the conditions in which these technologies are utilised..."

so u gotta know when is capnometer used, when is pulse oximetry used, and when is abg used... etc...


edit:
capnometer: (if my memory serves me right)
co2 absorbes IR...
so a ray of IR is emitted thru exhaled gas...

if a high IR intensity is detected on the other end, -> low co2 concentration -> lung not workin properly (note, if a lung is workin properly, exhaled gas need to be in high conc of co2)

if low IR intensity is detected -> high co2 concentration -> lung workin properly...

used for patients in critial care unit...

 

[bluesky100]

Re: capnometer, this is pretty much all I could find (general info).

http://www.eskimo.com/~jlubin/disabled/vent-users/4/0315.html

http://www.vetronic.co.uk/capnography.htm

http://www.anesth.uiowa.edu/proceduralsedation3/adult/Capnometry.asp

If two is enough I'd stick to ABGs and pulse ox. - more commonly used + more info available for you to research.