End-tidal CO and transcutaneous CO : Are we ready to replace arterial CO in awake children?

Introduction: Arterial blood gas analysis (ABG) is the gold standard test for carbon dioxide measurement. End-tidal PCO (PetCO ) and transcutaneous PCO (PtcCO ) are noninvasive alternative methods.

Objective: To examine the use of PetCO and PtcCO as PaCO surrogates in awake children.