Intravascular PO2 electrodes of a commercially available design were tested in vitro to establish their characteristics and to further elucidate on their clinical usability. In addition, four different cathode-anode combinations, utilizing the same geometrical design, were evaluated to establich the best combination. Au-Ag/AgCl exhibited the best characteristics as verified by the evaluation of stabilization time, sensitivity and reproducibility of the response, response time, linearity, drift, effects of temperature, flow, and pH, and the useful life of the sensors. Even though the Au-Ag/AgCl combination exhibited the best characteristics, it fell far below clinically recommended criteria for continuous monitoring of less than 10 Torr/24 h.