Abstract: A pledget containing an anticoagulant for use with a blood sample is provided. The pledget includes a filler material, such as dextran, to increase the volume anticoagulant to minimize interference with free ion measurements in the blood.

Abstract: An arterial blood gas syringe is disclosed for obtaining an arterial blood sample. The syringe is characterized by a sealing plug having channels formed in an upper surface thereof for use in removing air as arterial blood is received into the syringe. Each of the channels extends in a generally radial direction and the channels converge near the center of the sealing plug. A filter element is contained in the center of the sealing plug for permitting the passage of air directed thereto using the channels. The filter element permits the passage of the air but prevents passage of the blood.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided to equilibrate a solution contained in a conventional syringe. The syringe is positioned so that the tapered end of the syringe is upward relative to the flanged end of the syringe. An equilibration tube member is inserted into the tapered end of the syringe. Equilibrating gas of a known composition is delivered to an input cavity formed in a heat block. The equilibrating gas is humidified in a humidifying chamber after it exits the input cavity. The humidified, equilibrating gas then passes into an output cavity formed in the heat block. The equilibration tube member receives the gas from the output cavity and carries it downwardly into the syringe where it exits the equilibration tube member into the equilibration solution. The equilibrating gas passes upwardly through the solution to produce an equilibrated sample. Gas passing from the solution is able to exit the syringe through its tapered end.