Exhaled gas analysis. Technical and clinical aspects of capnography and oxygen consumption.

Infrared absorption and mass spectrometry represent two common techniques used for measurement of end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration in expired air. Continuous capnographic monitoring may be useful in assessing changes in ventilation, pulmonary blood flow, and metabolism. Accuracy may be affected by the type of gas sampling technique used, as well as altered ventilation and perfusion matching in the lung. Oxygen uptake at the mouth may be measured by either an open- or closed-circuit technique. Calculated values of oxygen consumption obtained from pulmonary artery catheter data and blood gases correlate well with direct gas measurement. Accurate bedside determination requires a thorough knowledge of equipment and proper gas collection, especially at high inspired oxygen levels. This information may be useful in nutritional assessments, during mechanical ventilation, and in evaluation of therapeutic interventions aimed at optimizing peripheral oxygen delivery.