Blood gas and electrolyte analyzer

A modern blood gas and electrolyte analyzer is a high-tech medical device used to measure the levels of various gases and metabolites in a blood sample. These analyzers are crucial for assessing respiratory and metabolic function and help in the treatment of conditions such as respiratory failure, acidosis and alkalosis. These indicators are especially important for the correct management of patients receiving mechanical ventilation of the lungs. Incorrect interpretation of blood gas analysis results can lead to unnecessarily long mechanical ventilation and treatment in the intensive care unit, as well as the presence of complications. The pH level is one of the most important indicators measured by modern blood gas analyzers because it is one of the factors affecting brain perfusion. This analysis is important in cases where normal homeostatic mechanisms and reflexes may be seriously impaired (for example, during deep anesthesia and seizures).

 

Key components and functions of a modern blood gas analyzer:

 

• Measurement of blood pH. Assesses the body's acid-base balance. The normal pH of arterial blood is 7.35–7.45.
• Partial pressure of oxygen (pO2). Reflects the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the blood. Normally, this indicator for arterial blood is 75–100 mm Hg.
• Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2). Assesses the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, which usually fluctuates within 35–45 mm Hg.
• Oxygen saturation (sO2). Shows the percentage of hemoglobin that is oversaturated with oxygen. Normal values ​​are more than 95%.
• Base excess (BE). Helps identify metabolic disorders that affect acid-base balance. Deviation of this indicator from the norm indicates an excess or deficiency of buffer bases in the blood.
• Metabolic changes in acid-base balance. Determined by a comprehensive analysis, taking into account the excess or deficiency of acids. This indicator allows you to assess the metabolic contribution to the imbalance.
• Lactate. Some analyzers can also measure the level of lactate, which is important for assessing tissue oxygenation and detecting conditions such as shock or sepsis.

 

Features of modern blood gas and electrolyte analyzers:

 

• Auto-calibration. Modern devices are automatically calibrated using built-in standards, which minimizes the risk of errors due to the human factor.
• High speed of operation. Analyzers provide results within a few minutes (from 35 seconds to 2 minutes), which allows for rapid clinical decision-making.
• Compactness and mobility. Many models have small dimensions, which makes them convenient for use in hospitals, ambulances or emergency departments.
• Integration with information systems. The ability to connect to hospital (HIS) or laboratory (LIS) information systems allows for effective data management and electronic medical records.
• Convenient user interface. Equipped with touch screens, intuitive menus and simple software that simplifies the work of medical personnel.

 

Types of blood gas and electrolyte analyzers

 

Modern blood gas and electrolyte analyzers are divided into several types depending on the functionality and operating conditions. The main types are:

 

1. Benchtop analyzers. Large stationary devices, usually located in central laboratories or in intensive care units (ICUs).
2. Portable analyzers. Small, lightweight devices used for testing at the point of care in emergency rooms, neonatal units or even during transportation.

 

Blood gas and electrolyte analyzer: applications in medicine

 

Analyzers are indispensable in intensive care units, operating rooms, intensive care units and laboratory departments. They help monitor acid-base balance, electrolyte status, and blood gas levels, which is essential in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary disorders. In particular, the analyzers are used to diagnose and monitor acid-base disorders such as metabolic acidosis, alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, or alkalosis. They also assess respiratory function, including oxygenation and ventilation, in patients with COPD, asthma, ARDS, or during anesthesia. In intensive care units (ICUs), analyzers monitor the condition of patients with serious illnesses, injuries, or during postoperative recovery. The use of such devices allows for timely adjustment of therapy, assessment of treatment effectiveness, and monitoring of patient progress.

 

In Ukraine, electrolyte and blood gas analyzers can be purchased at specialized medical equipment stores. For example, the Empirica online store offers a wide range of such devices at affordable prices. To choose the right analyzer, you should consider the needs of your laboratory or medical institution, the technical characteristics of the equipment, the level of measurement accuracy, and operating conditions.