Abstract: A method and apparatus for the analysis of blood or other liquids by mass spectrometry to determine the partial pressures of gases and other volatile substances dissolved in the blood or other liquid in a manner independent of the solubility of the gases in the blood or other liquid. A countercurrent membrane exchanger (CCME) is provided for equilibrating a carrier fluid with the sample of blood or other liquid, the output of which is coupled to a tubular direct insertion membrane probe (t-DIMP) type of membrane inlet mass spectrometer. The CCME preferably has complementary spiral grooves on opposing metal plates for the water carrier and sample liquids so as to induce secondary flows which greatly reduce the resistance to equilibration between the liquid sample and water carrier phases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the analysis of blood or other liquids by mass spectrometry to determine the partial pressures of gases and other volatile substances dissolved in the blood or other liquid in a manner independent of the solubility of the gases in the blood or other liquid. A countercurrent membrane exchanger (CCME) is provided for equilibrating a carrier fluid with the sample of blood or other liquid, the output of which is coupled to a tubular direct insertion membrane probe (t-DIMP) type of membrane inlet mass spectrometer. The CCME preferably has complementary spiral grooves on opposing metal plates for the water carrier and sample liquids so as to induce secondary flows which greatly reduce the resistance to equilibration between the liquid sample and water carrier phases.

Abstract: A tongue cleaner having an elongate shank portion for holding thereof and a portion extending from one end thereof for supporting a tongue scraping edge. The support portion is skewed relative to the shank portion to slope downwardly for effecting engagement of the edge with a posterior part of the upper surface of the tongue so that the posterior part may be comfortably scraped.