Continuous flow delivery of nitric oxide into the circuit of a phasic-flow ventilator results in marked inspiratory nitric oxide concentration fluctuation that is not detected by a slow-response chemiluminescence analyzer. Moreover, nitric oxide concentration fluctuation can influence the accuracy of the chemiluminescence measurements. These effects can be diminished by using additional mixing chambers to facilitate a stable gas concentration. As these mixing volumes increase the contact time of nitric oxide with oxygen, an increase of nitrogen dioxide has to be taken into account.

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