Polarographic determination of oxygen content and capacity in a single blood sample

¹ Physiology Branch, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Aerospace Medical Division (AFSC), Brooks Air Force Base, Texas

A polarographic method was described in an earlier report which permits the accurate, rapid determination of oxygen content in small samples of blood. As with the Van Slyke technic, total oxygen capacity was formerly estimated by a separate determination of the oxygen content after complete saturation with oxygen of another portion of the blood sample. Further experience with the polarographic method has revealed the feasibility of estimating both content and capacity in a single blood sample. The capacity estimate is made possible by the polarographic observation of the quantity of potassium ferricyanide required to convert ferrohemoglobin to ferrihemoglobin. The measurement of oxygen content is performed, as previously described, by the polarographically determined increase in physically dissolved oxygen caused by the release of bound oxygen. By this means, one avoids sampling and random errors inherent in the use of two separate determinations. The method requires only a brief time for performance and ordinary technical proficiency. It is also simple in application.

Submitted on June 24, 1964