pH and blood—gas analysis

Abstract

(table IA, B, c). These samples may be unreliabIe when the peripheral circulation IS reduced by a fall in skin temperature or P C O ~, or the patient is in shock, pain or subjected to disturbances of the autonomic nervous system during surgery. The use of such samples avoids the slight risk associated with arterial puncture112. A tourniquet is not desirable since stasis may cause alterations in blood-gas tensions.