Continuous PO2 and PCO2 monitoring in the neonate.

From the physiological point of view it is important to stress that the c l i n i c a l l y interesting ränge for Pco2 is much smaller than for Po2· So, in pr inc ip le , the accuracy and reproducibi l i ty of the technique has to be better than with transcutaneous Po2Furthermore, because the Co2 molecule reacts with water and carbonic acid is formed slowly dissociating into H and HCos", the electrode cannot respond äs rapidly äs the Po2 nor can small or rapid changes in Pco2 be detected.