In the NICU, at-risk neonates require close surveillance. Undetected changes in blood gas levels may result in severe damage to a neonate’s health and should be acted upon immediately.
Blood gas sampling is the most common test performed [1]. But neonates do not have sufficient blood volume to tolerate multiple sample collections. A justification for testing is needed [2].
Preterm neonates are particularly vulnerable to alterations in arterial oxygen, carbon dioxide and haemodynamics. Unsafe levels or high fluctuations in pO2 and pCO2 can harm their immature and fragile organs:
- Brain perfusion is impacted by abnormal blood gas concentrations
- Uncontrolled pO2 increases can lead to hyperoxia and a risk of retinopathy of prematurity
- A sudden increase in the pCO2 value is a sign of a change in the cardio-respiratory status of the neonate or a sign of complication
So what is the best way to cater for fragile neonates?
- Reduce the number of sporadic blood collections?
- Determine the right moment to collect a blood sample?
- Find the best way to quickly diagnose significant respiratory problems?
- Trend pCO2 continuously?
Improving outcomes with the NeoOne solution
Radiometer’s unique NeoOne solution, which combines transcutaneous monitoring, specialized blood gas analysis and safe sampling devices, empowers you to make well-informed treatment decisions, while reducing the collection of precious blood from fragile neonates.
Our TCM CombiM transcutaneous monitor provides continuous, non-invasive and real-time monitoring of the neonate and helps schedule and potentially reduce the number of blood gas samples [3, 4].
When blood sampling is needed, our safeCLINITUBES plastic capillary tubes and ABL90 FLEX PLUS blood gas analyzer offer fast and easy sampling for a full panel of critical parameters (blood gases, glucose, lactate, hemoglobin, bilirubin, etc.) from a very small sample volume.

See the change as it happens with real-time transcutaneous monitoring
Radiometer’s TCM CombiM monitor represents a valuable transcutaneous trending tool that provides continuous, non-invasive and real-time transcutaneous pO2 and pCO2 information.
The differentiating feature of the TCM CombiM system is the pO2 measurement, a crucial parameter when monitoring patients in neonatal intensive care. A pO2 measurement helps lower the risk of hyperoxia and severe complications, such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
With continuous, real-time information you can see the change in blood gas levels as it happens and can take immediate action. As a result, neonate safety and comfort are improved.
From the smallest drop of blood
Our new and advanced ABL90 FLEX PLUS blood gas analyzer is designed to meet the needs of neonatal care. Its special micromode measurement provides 17 critical parameters from the smallest sample volume in just 60 seconds when used with our new 45 µL safeCLINITUBES plastic capillary tubes. This means greater focus on neonate safety and comfort.
- Diiulio R. The right stuff. Rtmagazine.com; April 2010: 20, 22, 24.
- Mulligan M. Blood gas interpretation in the neonate – what do you need to know now? www.acutecaretesting.org. Jan 2013 as accessed 2015.
- Christoph Aring, Chief Consultant, Children’s Hospital of St. Nicholas, Viersen, Germany. Case story: ‘Ongoing transcutaneous monitoring provides an ideal solution for tracking CO2 levels in premature babies, infants and young children with respiratory distress’. Radiometer Medical ApS publication 2014. Code no: 939-730.
- Dr. Sherry E. Courtney, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Maryland, AR, USA. Case story: ‘Continuous transcutaneous monitoring of pCO2 and pO2 supports in the prevention of cerebral damage for infants in intensive care units’. Radiometer Medical ApS publication 2014. Code no: 939-590.