MEASURING NITRIC OXIDE IN BLOOD GASES AND TREATMENTS BASED THEREON

摘要

Nitric oxide is measured in blood as a marker of tissue blood flow and oxygenation. Where nitric oxide is measured to be below physiological or to be below average, in a patient having a disease associated with oxygen delivery deficiency, nitric oxide is infused alone or with nitrite. Where nitric oxide is measured to be normal, nitrite is infused. The storage time of whole blood or red blood cells is increased and the vasodilator response of outdated or NO depleted whole blood and red blood cells are increased by treatment with nitric oxide and/or nitrite. A patient in need of a transfusion is transfused with whole blood or red blood cells treated to increase vasodilator response therein.