Abstract: A reference electrode is disclosed, comprised of a ceramic housing comprised of a bottom and a sidewall means extending from the bottom to a cylindrical housing top to define an inner channel. The channel contains a silver electrode extending therefrom and a deposit of a silver salt. The housing having a bore substantially radial to the axis of the housing extending through oppositely facing sidewall means, and a ceramic rod configured to fit in the bore and form a friction bond is positioned in the bore to form an annular junction that permits transfer of ions across the junction. Means for electrically isolating the silver electrode are mounted on the housing top.

Abstract: The reference electrode, which is physically removed from the sensing electrode, is functionally connected by means of a Ringer's solution formulation serving as an electrolyte bridge between the reference electrode and the fluid or tissue of the patient under test.