Description
Also known as:
Blood Gases
ABGs
Arterial Blood Gases test is for people suffering from:
Symptoms of a respiratory problem such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or rapid breathing
A lung disease
An acid-base imbalance
A condition that causes an acute or chronic oxygen shortage
Main purpose of the Arterial Blood Gases test:
To evaluate lung function by measuring blood pH, oxygen (O2) & carbon dioxide (CO2)
To monitor treatment for lung diseases
To detect an acid-base imbalance in the blood, which may indicate a respiratory, metabolic, or kidney disorder
To evaluate the effectiveness of oxygen therapy
Sample Required:
Blood sample collected from an artery (most often), generally the radial artery in the wrist
Blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm (sometimes)
Capillary blood from a heel stick (may be used in case of babies)
Test Preparation Required:
None
