Abstract
This document provides guidelines for the terminology, methodology, and for the interpretation of data obtained from the use of skin (transcutaneous) po2 and pco2 electrodes. The transcutaneous technique has found special application in newborn infants. The causes of analytical bias with respect to arterial blood gas values, and imprecision obtained with transcutaneous pco2 electrodes, are reviewed. Electrode temperatures above 44°C should not be used routinely, and, at a measuring temperature of 44°C, the measuring site should be changed at least every 4 h to avoid skin burns.
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