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Endoscopy 1983; 15(5): 319-321
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1021544
NEW METHODS AND NEW INSTRUMENTS

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Reference Electrode Sites for Potential Difference Measurements in the Gastrointestinal Tract

B.J. Collins, R.A.J. Spence, R.J. McFarland, T.G. Parks, A.H.G. Love
  • The Queen's University of Belfast, Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Clinical Science, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, N. Ireland
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Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

Simpler alternatives to the use of an intravenous reference electrode for potential difference measurement in the gastrointestinal tract were considered. Lancet puncture of the forearm skin, and intradermal injection of 0.1 ml 154 mmol/l NaCl into the forearm were shown to effectively abolish the skin-blood potential difference, thereby rendering such sites suitable for reference electrode placement. Another acceptable method was to use an intravenous “butterfly” cannula filled with heparinized saline. The tip of the electrolyte bridge was inserted into the distal end of the cannula, there-by making indirect contact with the bloodstream.

It is suggested that the use of any one of these three methods of reference electrode placement would facilitate the measurement of esophageal or gastrointestinal potential difference during a routine endoscopy without significantly altering the accuracy of the measurements.

Key words:

Gastric mucosa - Esophageal mucosa - Potential difference

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