THE EFFECT OF LOCAL CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE ON BLOOD FROM THE HAND VEINS

Abstract

Blood samples were obtained from hand veins when the forearm and hand were immersed in water baths at varying temp., in a manner similar to that previously described by Goldschmidt and Light. The O saturation, plasma CO2 content, and ph (colorimetric) were determined; the pH was measured at the temp. which the blood probably had when within the veins. From these data probable O and CO2 tensions of the blood in situ were calculated. They were found to be similar to those observed as the result of air injection into the subcutaneous tissue. The Ph of the blood was greatly increased by a fall of temp. and to a similar extent in vivo as in vitro; with surface temp. of 10[degree] C, pH values as high as 7.75 were obtained.