Abstract: Compositions, kits, and devices that include calibration and/or quality control reagent(s) for monitoring the performance of blood gas, electrolyte, and/or metabolite instrumentation are disclosed. Different oxygen levels in the calibration and/or quality control reagent(s) can be generated using an oxygen scavenger. Methods of accurately measuring the oxygen levels so generated using a by-product of the oxygen scavenger are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions, kits, and devices that include calibration and/or quality control reagent(s) for monitoring the performance of blood gas, electrolyte, and/or metabolite instrumentation are disclosed. Different oxygen levels in the calibration and/or quality control reagent(s) can be generated using an oxygen scavenger. Methods of accurately measuring the oxygen levels so generated using a by-product of the oxygen scavenger are also disclosed.

Abstract: Biocompatible materials that have the ability to release nitric oxide (NO) in situ at the surface-blood interface when in contact with blood. The materials which may be polymers (e.g., polyurethane, poly(vinyl chloride), silicone rubbers), metals, such as stainless steel, carbon, and the like are provided with biocatalysts or biomimetic catalysts on their surface that have nitrite, nitrate, and/or nitrosothiol-reducing capability. Illustratively, the catalysts are adsorbed or immobilized at the surface of the material. The catalysts can act on endogenous nitrite, nitrate, or nitrosothiols within the blood creating a local increase in the NO levels at the surface of the material. An illustrative enzymatic biocatalyst is mammalian xanthine oxidase. In another illustrative embodiment, a biomimetic catalyst is a copper (Cu(II)-ligand complex, e.g. dibenzo[e,k]-2,3,8,9-tetraphenyl-1,4,7,10-tetraaza-cyclododeca-1,3,7,9-tetraene. In some cases, lipophilic salts of nitrite/nitrate (e.g.