Evaluation of two oxygen analyzers by computerized data acquisition and processing

Monitoring of inspired oxygen concentration during anesthesia with nitrous oxide is becoming accepted as essential. This type of monitoring demands accurate monitors that respond rapidly. We evaluated two such devices for their response patterns to rapid changes in oxygen concentration, a galvanic or "fuel cell" unit and a polarographic device. Data were stored after analog-to-digital conversion. The response patterns to stepwise changes in nitrous oxide and oxygen mixtures were recorded at flow rates ranging from 2 to 10 L/min. Both units responded accurately to all changes in the absolute oxygen concentration; the polarographic unit was, on average, twice as fast. Responsiveness to nitrou…