Contents:
- Medical Video: Interpreting Arterial Blood Gases ABGs by Michael Greenlee for OPENPediatrics
- What is blood gas analysis?
- When should I undergo blood gas analysis?
- What should I know before undergoing blood gas analysis?
- What should I do before undergoing blood gas analysis?
- What is the process of analyzing blood gas?
- What should I do after undergoing blood gas analysis?
- What do the test results mean?
Medical Video: Interpreting Arterial Blood Gases ABGs by Michael Greenlee for OPENPediatrics
Definition
What is blood gas analysis?
Blood gas analysis (AGD) can be used to measure pH and oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood from arteries. This test can see the ability of the lungs to send oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood. In this test, blood is taken from the arteries or arteries. Some other blood tests use blood samples from veins, after blood passes through tissues where oxygen is used and carbon dioxide is produced.
When should I undergo blood gas analysis?
Oxygen and respiratory rate can indicate how much blood oxidation is, but analysis of gas in the blood can provide more precise measurements.
The pH balance in the blood and oxygen and carbon dioxide levels can indicate how your lungs and kidneys function. Identifying imbalances in pH and blood gases can provide an early warning of how your body treats disease.
The doctor will do a blood gas analysis if the doctor suspects you are experiencing conditions such as:
- lung disease
- Kidney illness
- metabolic disease
- head and neck injuries that affect breathing
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing blood gas analysis?
The results of the blood gas analysis (AGD) alone do not provide enough information to diagnose the disease. For example, AGD cannot determine whether low levels are caused by the lungs or heart. Blood gas analysis results are used together with the results of the examination and other tests.
AGD tests are generally carried out in patients suffering from injury or serious illness. This test can measure how well the lungs and kidneys work and how well the body uses energy.
The most effective AGD test is used when the respiratory rate increases or decreases or when the patient has high blood sugar (glucose), severe infection or heart failure.
If several blood samples are needed, a thin tube (arterial catheter) can be placed on the artery. Blood can be taken when needed.
Process
What should I do before undergoing blood gas analysis?
Inform your doctor if you:
- have had a bleeding problem or consume blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin)
- taking drugs
- allergic to drugs, such as anesthesia
If you are on oxygen therapy, oxygen must be stopped 20 minutes before the blood test. This condition is called the "room air" test. But if you can't breathe, oxygen doesn't need to be stopped. Consult with your doctor about special attention to the test, the risk, how the test will be done, or the results of the test.
What is the process of analyzing blood gas?
This test requires a blood sample of 2 ml. Blood can be taken from the arteries in the wrist, arm, or groin. Your medical provider will apply alcohol or antiseptics to the skin, then take blood with a syringe. Blood samples will be analyzed using a portable machine or in a laboratory. To get the best results, the test must be analyzed within 10 minutes after taking blood.
What should I do after undergoing blood gas analysis?
Even though problems are rare, be careful with blood or arms that have been taken. Avoid lifting items 24 hours after taking blood from the arteries. Usually, the test results are immediately known.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Normal
Normal scores on this list (called reference ranges only serve as a guide. This range varies from one laboratory to another, and your laboratory may have a different normal score. Your laboratory report will usually contain what range they use. Your doctor will also check your test results based on your health condition and other factors, which means that if your test results are in the abnormal range in this guide, it could be in your laboratory or for your condition the score is in the normal range.
Ablood gas analysis (at sea level and space breathing air)
| Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2): | More than 80mm Hg (more than 10.6 kPa) |
| Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2): | 35–45 mm Hg (4.6–5.9 kPa) |
| pH: | 7.35–7.45 |
| Bicarbonate (HCO3): | 22–26 mEq / L (22–26 mmol / L) |
| Oxygen content (O2CT): | 15–22 mL per 100 mL of blood (6.6–9.7 mmol / L) |
| Oxygen saturation (O2Sat): | 95%–100% (0.95–1.00) |
Inhaled oxygen concentrations or fraction of inhaled oxygen (FiO2) are also included in the results of the report. This is useful if you are in oxygen therapy from a tank or ventilator.
Some conditions can affect blood gas levels. Your doctor will consult you about abnormal results related to your symptoms.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
