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Test Code ABG Arterial Blood Gas

Important Note

  • Arterial Blood Gas specimens must be received ON ICE. Place specimen in plastic bag and close; then place in bag of ice. Deliver to laboratory immediately after collection.
  • Stability of collected ABG specimens:
    • Testing must be performed within 15 minutes of collection.
    • pO2, pCO2 and pH values may be affected if not tested within 15 minutes of collection.
  • Include patient temperature in °F (Degrees Fahrenheit not Celsius)
  • ABG specimens are collected only by Respiratory Care Practioners or from arterial lines, by Critical Care Nurses.

Performing Laboratory

Hunterdon Medical Center Laboratory

Test Includes

 

Measured Calculated
pH Base excess
pCO₂ Bicarbonate (HCO₃)
pO₂ Total CO₂
O₂ Saturation  

Useful For

Analysis of arterial blood provides information concerning the oxygenation, ventilatory, and acid-base status of the patient.

Special Instructions

When the ABG order is placed the following information is entered:

Collection method and site, phlebotomist.

Allen Test Result

Oxygen Delivery Method

Oxygen Devices and Settings

 

Note: Afix a label to the specimen bag which notes the patient temperature. If no temperature is received the results will be based on a temperature of 98.6° F. 

 

Specimen must be sent to Laboratory immediately after collection

Specimen Required

Container/Tube: Heparinized syringe from ABG kit.

Specimen Volume: 1.0ml

Minimum Volume: 0.5ml

Specimen Type

Arterial blood

Specimen Transport Temperature

Deliver on ice.

Reject Specimen Due To

Clotted

Quantity Not Sufficient for testing

Day(s) Test Set up

Monday through Sunday

Always performed STAT.

Reference Values

 

Test Reference Value Units
pH 7.350 -7.450  
pCO2 33.0 – 48.0 mm[Hg]
pO₂ 83.0 – 108.0 mm[Hg] 
Bicarbonate (HCO₃) 18.0 – 23.0 mmol/L
Total CO₂ 22.0 – 29.0 mmol/L
Base Excess -2.0-3.0  mmol/L
O₂ Saturation 95.0 – 98.0  %

Methodology

Visible absorption spectroscopy

CPT Code

82083

Loinc Code

 

Test LOINC
pH 2744-1
pCO₂ 2019-8
pO2 2703-7
pO2 2708-6
Base Excess 1927-5
Bicarbonate 1960-4
Total CO2 2026-3
O2 Saturation 2708-6