Clinical suitability and accuracy of a new combined system for the transcutaneous and intravascular determination of PO2.

The clinical suitability and accuracy of the Hoffmann-La Roche continuous oxygen partial pressure measuring system, consisting of transcutaneous and intravascular probes, modules and recorder, was tested in routine use in a unit for vascular and heart surgery of the University Clinic in Göttingen. The stability of the system was good, accuracy was sufficient for clinical purposes (compared with a conventional discrete blood gas analysis technique) and practical suitability was good in routine use. The unit was simple to use, provided preparatory and calibratory steps were completed with necessary care and precision. Based on our experience with the unit, it is correct to say that it represents a refined and sufficiently accurate method suitable for use under clinical conditions. The need for strict adherence to the operating instructions must, however, be emphasized if incorrect measurements are to be avoided.