Blutgasanalysegeräte

Blutgasanalysegeräte, commonly known as blood gas analyzers, are medical devices used to measure the levels of gases and electrolytes in a blood sample. These devices are crucial in assessing a patient's respiratory and metabolic status, providing vital information for diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

The primary parameters measured by blood gas analyzers include partial pressures of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2), pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), and oxygen saturation (SaO2). Some advanced models can also measure electrolytes such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), and calcium (Ca2+), as well as metabolites like glucose and lactate.

The analysis is typically performed on arterial blood, although venous blood can also be used for certain parameters. A small blood sample is drawn from a patient, often from an artery in the wrist (radial artery), and injected into the analyzer. The device then uses electrochemical sensors and optical methods to quantify the concentration of each measured substance.

The results are generated within minutes, allowing for rapid clinical decision-making. Abnormal blood gas values can indicate a range of conditions, including respiratory failure, metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, electrolyte imbalances, and shock. They are indispensable tools in critical care settings like intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments, and operating rooms, as well as in pulmonology and anesthesia. Regular calibration and maintenance are essential to ensure the accuracy and reliability of blood gas analyzers.