Apparatus for and method of assuring the quality of the results obtained from a blood gas analyzer

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for a method for assuring the quality of the results obtained from a blood gas analyzer. The apparatus comprises a device for storing blood gas quality control reagent comprising a first variable volume, gas impermeable container for receiving the reagent. The reagent is stored exclusively in the liquid phase therein. A valved exit passageway emanates from the container which container is situated in a second container surrounding the first, a space being present therebetween and a compressed gas situated in the space. Upon opening the valve, the compressed gas decreases the volume of the first container and reagent is expelled through the exit passageway. The present device is uneffected by changes in ambient temperature since the reagent is stored exclusively in the liquid phase. The device is reusable since a portion of the reagent may be expelled without contamination of the remaining contents. Further, a method is disclosed for storing blood gas quality control reagent such that it is stored exclusively in a liquid phase.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.