A modified Van Slyke apparatus

Abstract

A modified micro-Van Slyke apparatus for analyzing gases in a 25- to 100-microliter sample of blood or other solutions is described. The method is based on the vacuum-extraction principle in which the gases are released for direct manometric measurement. A determination of total CO2 and total O2 content in blood can be completed in about 7 in. A commercial micro-Van Slyke apparatus (Thomas Magna-Matic manometer apparatus) requires 10-15 min for the same determination. The modified Van Slyke can be operated under field conditions without losing accuracy. The modified Van Slyke apparatus has greater reproducibility and accuracy than the commercial model.