the body. In humans. the pH of the blood is normally within the range 7.36 to 7.44.

Measuring the pH and the amount of gases in the blood can help doctors in diagnosing
sick patients and in monitoring them while in hospital. Blood gas analysis is most helpful
for doctors looking after patients under anaesthetic during operations, in intensive care.
in accident and emergency facilities, and for premature newborn babies. For example.
when a patient in hospital is in a coma and on a respirator, the blood gases are analysed
regularly. if a patient shows signs of dangerously low oxygen levels or high levels of carbon
dioxide, blood is taken from an artery for laboratory measurement of these gases.
The rate of ventilation of the lungs can be increased it necessary to remove excess
carbon dioxide and maintain homeostasis.
Symptoms of low oxygen:
0

cyanosis

co visual hallucinations.
Symptoms of high carbon dioxide:
0

drowsiness

bounding pulse

a headache
(5

tremors.

Recent advances in biotechnology and electronics have resulted in the production

of biosensors that have made analysing blood faster and more accurate. A sensor is a
device that translates a physical or chemical property into an electrical signal that can
be measured. The key component is the transducer or signal-converting element that
converts the property to be measured into a signal.
A biosensor is a device with a transducer and a bioreceptor, usually one that recognises
specific biochemical molecules (see Figure l .29). The bioreceptor reacts specically with
the substance to be detected, and the transducer. which may be electrochemical, optical
or thermal, converts the biochemical signal into an electrical signal.
Sensors usually use either optical or electrochemical technologies. Optical bres are
now replacing electrical wire for carrying signals in many sensors.