Principles of Clinical Measurement and Monitoring in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care

This is the third edition of the book originally published as Principles of Measurement for Anaesthetists . The major objective of the text is to explain the physical principles on which measurements are based, and to consider the problems and possible sources of error with each of the techniques, so that those choosing a measurement or monitoring system can make a rational choice from the commercially available equipment. General principles of measurement. Units of measurement and basic mathematical concepts. Simple electronics. The detection and amplification of biological potentials. Data processing and storage. Displaying the signal. Recorders and data storage devices. Electromagnetic radiation and optical measurements. Ultrasound. Radionuclides and their use in clinical measurement. Patient safety. The measurement of pressure. Direct measurement of intravascular pressure. Indirect methods for measuring arterial pressure. Measurement of gas flow and volume. Measurement of blood flow. Gas and vapour analysis. Acid-base, blood gas and other analysers used by clinicians. Thermometry, thermography and humidity measurement. The design of a monitoring system: alarms. Monitoring during anaesthesia. Monitoring the respiratory system. Monitoring the cardiovascular system. Monitoring the nervous system. Monitoring in obstetrics. While it is directed primarily to those training and in practice in anaesthesia, the scope of this book should interest all critical care personnel and specialist nurses. In this edition the shift is away from coverage of principles to include greater discussion of their applications.