Arterial blood gas sampling: Definition and indications

December 24, 2009

Arterial Blood Gas Test Definition

Blood is drawn anaerobically from a peripheral artery (Radial, Brachial, Ulnar, Femoral, Axillary, Posterior Tibial or Dorsalis Pedis) via a single percutaneous needle puncture, or from an indwelling arterial cannula or catheter for multiple sample.
Either method provides a blood specimen for direct measurement of:

  • partial pressures of carbon dioxide (PaCO2);
  • oxygen (PaO2);
  • hydrogen ion activity (pH);
  • total hemoglobin (Hbtotal);
  • oxyhemoglobin saturation (HbO2);
  • dyshemoglobins carboxyhemoglobin (COHb);
  • methemoglobin (MetHb).

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