Fick equation

Published Mar 2, 2004

243 Posts

Hey everyone ... I've posted this question on the CCU board but thought I may receive better feedback here, seeing as how the vast majority of subscribers are ICU nurses.

I would love to know a better version of the Fick equation than:

CO = O2 Uptake / ([Arterial O2] - [Venous O2])

Primarily, how to calculate O2 uptake. I have researched the internet and could not find an explanation - only the equation over and over. Our CVICU uses Baxter CCO/CCI monitors for the post open hearts and I would like another way to calculate CO (besides manual injections) as a back up in case of aberrant numbers in the presence of SVO2 recalibration (SVO2 75, CI 1.8, H/H 10/30, PaO2 95 on 50% FIO2). Thanks in advance!

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