Measurement of gas concentrations (O2, CO2, N2O and volatile agents)

Analysis of respiratory gases is part of standard monitoring, and is used in operating theatres, intensive care units, and for patient transfer.Common methods for oxygen analysis include: galvanic (fuel) cell, Clark (polarographic) electrode, and paramagnetic analyser. Common methods for carbon dioxide measurement include: infrared absorption spectroscopy and Severinghaus electrode. Other methods utilize mass spectroscopy, Raman scattering, and the piezoelectric effect.