pO(2) measurements by phosphorescence quenching: characteristics and applications of an automated system.

An automated system for pO(2) analysis based upon phosphorescence quenching was tested. The system was calibrated in vitro with capillary samples of saline and blood. Results were compared to a conventional measuring procedure wherein pO(2) was calculated off-line by computer fitting of phosphorescence decay signals. PO(2) measurements obtained by the automated system were correlated (r(2) = 0.98) with readings simultaneously generated by a blood gas analyzer, accuracy being highest in the low (0-20 mm Hg) and medium pO(2) ranges (21-70 mm Hg). Measurements in in vivo studies in the hamster skin-fold preparation were similar to previously reported results. The automated system fits the phosphorescence decay data to a single exponential and allows repeated pO(2) measurements in rapid sequence.