Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 38, Issue 3 546-549, Copyright © 1975 by American Physiological Society
Assessment of Scholander micromethod for gas concentrations versus weighing method
C. Gaudebout and M. C. Blayo
Three gaseous mixtures in N2, of varying concentrations of CO2 (3.60, 5.79,
and 9.36%) and O2 (22.18, 15.12, and 6.82%), respectively, were prepared by
precise weighings, which may serve as absolute measures. These mixtures
were analyzed with two apparatuses by the Scholander micromethod. Taking
into account the influence of several factors (apparatuses, order of
analyses, etc, it appears that differences between apparatuses were not
significant in five of six cases and the effect of order was significant in
O2 (P less than 0.01) but not in CO2 for the set of measurements. When
compared with weighings, measurements differed only in one apparatus (P
less than 0.02) in two of six cases and by no more than 0.02%. The relation
between weighings and measurements was highly significant (P less than
10(-9) and no lack of fit to linearity occurs. Side effects of the factors
considered and interactions between them are discussed. In conclusion, the
micromethod of Scholander gives accurate results, in very good agreement
with the reference values provided that certain technical precautions are
observed.
