Oxygen Dissociation of Whole Blood Studied Polarographically

The polarographic current of whole blood is in excess of that given by plasma at the same oxygen tension. The magnitude of this difference depends on (a) the oxygen content of the sample and thus is determined by the red blood cell content and by the state of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, and (b) on the rate of dissociation of oxyhemoglobin and therefore is influenced by changes in pH, pCO(2), and temperature. The total current at 37 degrees C. is proportional to the oxygen content of the sample and can be used to determine the latter. The theoretical basis of the studied phenomena is discussed in detail.