A comparison of methods of obtaining alveolar air / Walter M. Boothby, M.D., and Francis W. Peabody, M.D. Boston.

  • Boothby, Walter M.
Date:
1914
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: A comparison of methods of obtaining alveolar air / Walter M. Boothby, M.D., and Francis W. Peabody, M.D. Boston. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    3/16
    A COMPARISON OF METHODS OF OBTAINING ALVEOLAR AIR * WALTER M. BOOTHBY, M.D., and FRANCIS W. PEABODY, M.D. BOSTON The recent advances in our knowledge of the physiology of respira¬ tion and of the mechanism by which the normal reaction of the blood is maintained have opened wide fields for study in clinical medicine. In many of the problems which present themselves it is essential to have information regarding the tension of gases in the alveolae of the lungs. While it is comparatively simple to obtain satisfactory samples of alveolar air from trained workers, it is a much more difficult task when dealing with the average hospital patient, for unfortunately all the methods yet devised depend in part on the cooperation of the subject himself. Lack of intelligence, lack of interest, pain, dyspnea, restlessness, toxemia, unconsciousness and the natural disinclination of the sick person to take part in any active performance are among the many factors which inter¬ fere with the taking of reliable samples of alveolar air. Preliminary, therefore, to the study of alveolar air in pathological conditions, we have considered it necessary to make a comparative study of the various meth¬ ods of obtaining alveolar air in order to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each method, the conditions under which a given method is best applicable, and in general to decide on which methods are most reliable for the study of clinical cases. The present report is based on approximately five hundred observations, on hospital patients, as well as on laboratory workers, most of whom were untrained in the methods of taking alveolar air. THE HALDANE METHOD The method as devised by Haldane* 1 consists in the use of a %-inch hose about 4 feet long fitted with a glass mouthpiece at one end. The subject, after five minutes’ normal breathing, gives the greatest possible expiration through the tube. This should be done rapidly to ensure the displacement of the air in the hose. At the end of the expiration the subject closes the mouthpiece with his tongue, and the sample of air is drawn from the beginning of the tube. Two samples should be taken— * From the Surgical and Medical Services of the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital.