A COMPARISON OF METHODS OF OBTAINING ALVEOLAR AIR

Abstract

The recent advances in our knowledge of the physiology of respiration and of the mechanism by which the normal reaction of the blood is maintained have opened wide fields for study in clinical medicine. In many of the problems which present themselves it is essential to have information regarding the tension of gases in the alveolae of the lungs. While it is comparatively simple to obtain satisfactory samples of alveolar air from trained workers, it is a much more difficult task when dealing with the average hospital patient, for unfortunately all the methods yet devised depend in part on the cooperation of the subject himself. Lack of intelligence, lack of interest, pain, dyspnea, restlessness, toxemia, unconsciousness and the natural disinclination of the sick person to take part in any active performance are among the many factors which interfere with the taking of reliable samples of alveolar air. Preliminary,