Method and apparatus for in vivo measurement of carbon monoxide production rate

An apparatus for in vivo measurement of carbon monoxide production rate in a subject comprising:

• a first gas detector for detecting the concentration of a first selected gas in at least a first and second gas sample, said first gas detector being adapted to provide at least a first output signal indicative of said first selected gas concentration in said first gas sample and a second output signal indicative of said first selected gas concentration in said second gas sample;
• a second gas detector in communication with said first gas detector, said second gas detector being adapted to substantially simultaneously detect the concentration of at least a second and third selected gas in at least said first and second gas samples, said second gas detector being further adapted to provide at least a third output signal indicative of said second selected gas concentration in said first gas sample, a fourth output signal indicative of said second selected gas concentration in said second gas sample, a fifth output signal indicative of said third selected gas concentration in said second gas sample and a sixth output signal indicative of said third selected gas concentration in said second gas sample;
• means for providing said first and second gas samples to said first and second gas detectors;
• and
• processing means in communication with said first and second gas detectors for determining the rate of carbon monoxide production in at least said second sample in response to said first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth output signals.