Blood Gas Analyzer in Pediatrics
Blood Gas Analyzer in Pediatrics
Overview
Blood gas analyzers are critical diagnostic instruments that measure various parameters in blood samples, providing vital information about a patient's respiratory, metabolic, and acid-base status. In pediatrics, these devices are specially calibrated for smaller sample volumes and rapid analysis.
Key Features
- Sample Volume Requirements:
- Microsampling capability (35-95 μL)
- Neonatal-specific cartridges
- Capillary sample analysis
- Analysis Time: 35-120 seconds
- Result Storage: Up to 1000 patient results
- Quality Control: Automated calibration systems
Parameters and Interpretation
Primary Measurements
- Blood Gases:
- pH (Normal range: 7.35-7.45)
- PaO2 (80-100 mmHg)
- PaCO2 (35-45 mmHg)
- HCO3- (22-26 mEq/L)
- Electrolytes:
- Sodium (Na+)
- Potassium (K+)
- Ionized Calcium (iCa2+)
- Chloride (Cl-)
- Metabolites:
- Glucose
- Lactate
- Blood Urea Nitrogen
- Co-Oximetry:
- Total Hemoglobin (tHb)
- Oxygen Saturation (SO2)
- Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb)
- Methemoglobin (MetHb)
Derived Parameters
- Base Excess (BE)
- Anion Gap
- P50
- Oxygen Content (CaO2)
Clinical Applications and Indications
Primary Clinical Uses
- Respiratory Management:
- Ventilator adjustments
- Oxygen therapy monitoring
- Respiratory distress assessment
- Asthma severity evaluation
- Critical Care:
- Shock assessment
- Cardiac function monitoring
- Metabolic disorder evaluation
- Sepsis monitoring
- Specialized Units:
- NICU monitoring
- PICU management
- Post-operative care
- Emergency department triage
Diagnostic Applications
- Acid-base disorders
- Respiratory failure
- Metabolic diseases
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Toxicological emergencies
Sampling Techniques and Procedures
Sample Collection Methods
- Arterial Sampling:
- Radial artery technique
- Umbilical arterial line
- Arterial catheter sampling
- Capillary Sampling:
- Heel stick procedure
- Finger prick technique
- Earlobe sampling
- Venous Sampling:
- Central line collection
- Peripheral venous draw
Sample Handling
- Temperature control
- Air bubble removal
- Time to analysis limits
- Sample mixing requirements
Troubleshooting and Quality Control
Common Issues
- Pre-analytical Errors:
- Air bubbles in sample
- Clotted specimens
- Inadequate sample volume
- Delayed analysis
- Analytical Errors:
- Calibration failures
- Sensor malfunctions
- Temperature compensation errors
- Quality Control:
- Daily QC procedures
- Calibration verification
- Proficiency testing
Maintenance Schedule
- Daily: Sensor check and calibration
- Weekly: Deep cleaning procedures
- Monthly: Performance verification
- Quarterly: Preventive maintenance
