ANALYSIS OF PERFLUOROCHEMICAL ELIMINATION FROM THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

We describe a simple apparatus for analysis of perfluorochemicals (PFC ) in expired gas and thus a means for determining PFC vapor and liquid elimination from the respiratory system. The apparatus and data analy sis are based on thermal conduction and mass transfer principles of ga ses. In vitro studies were conducted with the PFC vapor analyzer to de termine calibration curves for output voltage as a function of individ ual respiratory gases, respiratory gases saturated with PFC vapor, and volume percent standards for percent PFC saturation (%PFC-Sat) in air . Voltage-concentration data for %PFC-Sat of the vapor from the in vit ro tests were accurate to within 2.0% from 0 to 100% PFC-Sat, linear ( r = 0.99, P < 0.001), and highly reproducible. Calculated volume loss of PFC liquid over time correlated well with actual loss by weight (r = 0.99, P < 0.001). In vivo studies with neonatal lambs demonstrated t hat PFC volume loss and evaporation rates decreased nonlinearly as a f unction of time. These relationships were modulated by changes in PFC physical properties, minute ventilation, and postural repositioning. T he results of this study demonstrate the sensitivity and accuracy of a n on-line method for PFC analysis of expired gas and describe how it m ay be useful in liquid-assisted ventilation procedures for determining PFC volume loss, evaporation rate, and optimum dosing and ventilation strategy.