The determination of pH in body fluids, particularly blood, is a very well established part of clinical medicine. An often overlooked parameter, however, is buffering capacity. This is predominantly because there is currently no practical technology that could be useful. The measurement of pH provides a value that is effectively a snapshot of the control that is operative at the precise time the fluid is taken. Unfortunately, it gives no indication of stability and whether there is a likelihood that the homoeostatic mechanisms that should be operating are likely to fail imminently. For example, it would be extremely useful to know in an emergency setting that a patient's buffering system is about to fail. If this is known, the course of treatment would be radically changed. An accurate determination of buffering capacity would provide this information.

Much of the basic technology that would be necessary to develop a suitable device for such measurements is already available in the group. There is now focused attention being paid to determine at the research level whether the goal is achievable.