Measurement of Ph, Pco2, and Standard Bicarbonate on Samples of Capillary Blood.

A simple technique for the collection and equilibration of capillary samples of blood is described for the measurement of pH, PCO(2), and standard bicarbonate by the interpolation method. The possible errors of collecting blood in open-ended capillary tubes containing wet heparin are examined. The method has proved to be accurate, providing the technique is strictly adhered to, and has proved especially valuable when frequent estimations have been required.