Sampling Errors in pH and Blood Gas Analysis—An Evaluation of Three New Arterial Blood Samplers

Abstract

We have tested the accuracy, acceptability and general performance of three recently-marketed samplers for arterial blood gas measurement (the Corning Arterial Blood Sampler, the Concord ‘Pulsator’ and the Sarstedt ‘Monovette’™). All three greatly reduce or eliminate the error of venous sampling, and the Corning and Sarstedt samplers eliminate the risk of dilution of the sample by excess heparin solution. A positive bias in pO₂ measurement, more marked at higher levels, was demonstrated with the Concord and Sarstedt samplers, and the latter carry a slightly increased risk of cross-infection. None of the samplers completely overcame potential sampling errors.