Modeling Oxygen Behaviour in Point-of-Care pO2 Devices

A mathematical model is to be developed that describes how oxygen can move in a point-of-care blood gas sensor. The sensor measures the partial pressure of oxygen in a blood sample. Oxygen can move throughout the cartridge by diffusing through the various materials that make up the cartridge. The extent to which the oxygen can diffuse depends on the properties of the materials that make up the cartridge. Porous materials will allow the oxygen to move more freely, whereas materials with little porous structure will block the oxygen. The mathematical model will be developed using fundamental concepts in chemical engineering, leading to a model that consists of a number of equations that describe how concentrations change both in time, and by location. Special solution strategies will be used to solve the equations, and we will also work to simplify the equations to make them easier to solve and apply. In addition to developing a mathematical model, the project will help enhance the fundamental understanding of how oxygen behaves in the sensor. The model and the associated knowledge will help scientists and engineers in future developments for these medical devices.

Faculty Supervisor:

Drs. P. James McLellan & Kim McAuley

Student:

Liang Li

Partner:

Abbott Point of Care

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

Queen's University