Arterial Blood Gas Summary

Arterial Blood Gas Definition

Arterial blood gas analysis measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. ABG analysis can also determine blood acidity (pH level).

ABG Presentation

We have created three arterial blood gas analysis slide sets. These presentations provides a introduction to arterial blood gas procedures, ABGs interpretation and 15 practice cases.

Presentation Summary

These notes have been extracted from the ABG Presentation.

The author has established these learning objectives for the presentation:

• List the indications for obtaining and analyzing arterial blood
• List the hazards associated with arterial puncture
• Describe the procedure for obtaining blood from an artery
• Describe the Allen test
• Given a set of spirometry data, provide a basic interpretation
• List possible sources of error when obtaining and analyzing arterial blood
• List the values typically measured by a standard blood gas analyzer
• List the values typically measure by a co-oximeter
• Describe the various quality control measures used to assure the accuracy of blood gas values, including Levey-Jennings data

Procedures

Draw blood from an artery, as oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH values are significantly different between arterial and venous blood. Radial, brachial and femoral artery locations are discussed in the presentation.

Arterial Blood Gas Results

ABG typical measures pH, PACO2, PAO2. The Modified Allen Test helps to evaluate collateral circulation.