We therefore undertook a study to assess the accuracy of this technique in measuring arterial blood gas tensions in patients with chronic respiratory disorders and with a wide range of values of arterial Po2 and Pco2. We also conducted a survey of other hospitals to find out how commonly the technique is used elsewhere, and the reasons, if any, for not adopting this method. MethodsForty patients with chronic respiratory disease were studied. Their diagnoses were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis (29 patients

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