A device and method for calibrating a delivery device includes providing a container A containing a nitrite, providing a container B containing an acid, releasing the contents of containers A and B, allowing the nitrite and acid to mix, waiting for a predetermined time, allowing air to combine with the mixture, and using NO and traces of NO.sub.2 to check and calibrate NO and NO.sub.2 sensors.

A method for providing a calibration test gas sample includes identifying a first test canister containing a standard test gas including an ionic gas. A chemical formulation of the standard test gas includes a cation and an anion. The method further includes replacing the first test canister with a second test canister containing an improved test gas. A chemical formulation of the improved test gas includes a replacement atom comprising one of a heavier isotope of one of the cation and the anion.

A device and method for calibrating a delivery device includes providing a container A containing a nitrite, providing a container B containing an acid, releasing the contents of containers A and B, allowing the nitrite and acid to mix, waiting for a predetermined time, allowing air to combine with the mixture, and using NO and traces of NO.sub.2 to check and calibrate NO and NO.sub.2 sensors.

A method for providing a calibration test gas sample includes identifying a first test canister containing a standard test gas including an ionic gas. A chemical formulation of the standard test gas includes a cation and an anion. The method further includes replacing the first test canister with a second test canister containing an improved test gas. A chemical formulation of the improved test gas includes a replacement atom comprising one of a heavier isotope of one of the cation and the anion.