AANA Journal course: new technologies in anesthesia: update for nurse anesthetists--mass spectrometry in anesthesia.

Despite the development of mass spectrometry in the early 1900's, it has only in this decade been introduced into the clinical anesthesia arena. The mass spectrometer's ability to make simultaneous measurements of specific gases distinguish it from currently available monitoring apparatus. This article will review the basic principle of operation of the mass spectrometer. The cost of implementation of mass spectrometry, clinical applications and potential pitfalls associated with its use will also be discussed.