Application of gas chromatography to respiratory gas analysis

Analyses of respiratory gases for CO2 and O2 can be performed on a single sample with the Fisher model 25 gas partitioner. By modifying the instrument and adding a Wilkens gas-sampling valve and a zero-suppression selector to the system, we have been able to achieve analytical accuracy comparable to that for the Scholander micrometer gas analyzer. The zero-suppression selector was considered to be essential for achieving maximum accuracy with peak height measurements. With this system, the standard deviation for its accuracy was ±0.024 vol. % for o2 and approximately ±0.002 vol. % for CO2 in respiratory gas samples. Empirical equations were developed to correct for argon interference in O2 determinations. Gas chromatography offers a unique advantage which is not shared by other instruments. It provides a single analytical technique for the simple and accurate analysis of a wide spectrum of gases useful in studies of respiratory physiology and pathology.