Temperature Coefficients for Pco2 and pH in Whole Blood

Abstract

THE ACID-BASE situation under hypothermic conditions is poorly understood because exact values for partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pco₂) and hydrogen ion content (pH) of whole blood under those conditions are difficult to determine. The values of Pco₂and pH in whole blood are important because the newer, electrometric analytical equipment can make these determinations accurately and rapidly on a sample of whole blood. In practice, the use of whole blood is time saving; it is always available and it does not require centrifugation. By nature of the fluid, temperature coefficients for Pco₂and pH in whole blood cannot be derived theoretically; too many highly variable parameters would have to be dealt with.¹Therefore, empirically derived temperature coefficients for converting a Pco₂and pH determination at 37 C to a Pco₂and pH determination at a sample's original temperature are necessary. Another reason temperature