Use of a Portable Analyzer for Venous Blood Gas and Biochemistry Analysis in Free-ranging Indian Flying Foxes (Pteropus giganteus) in Myanmar

Abstract

We determined venous blood gas, acid-base, and biochemical parameters for thirteen free-ranging Indian flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus) in Myanmar, using a handheld i-STAT analyzer with CC8+ and CHEM8 cartridges. For field-based projects, portable blood analyzers enable identification and management of electrolyte and acid-base imbalances and collection of physiologic data, but present logistical challenges.