Arterial Blood Gas (ABG), ABG (Arterial Blood Gas) Test

A blood gas test is done to measure the amount of O2 & CO2 in the blood. It is also be used to determine the pH of the blood(alkaline or acidic).The test is commonly known as a blood gas analysis or ABS test.The RBCs transport O2 and CO2 throughout the body. These are the blood gases. The blood gas test can be used to find how your lungs are functioning i.e, moving O2 and removing CO2 from the blood. Imbalances in the O2, CO2, and pH levels of the blood are the indication of some medical conditions.

Make sure to wear a short-sleeved shirt or a shirt with sleeves that you can easily roll up.No special preparation needed for the this test. There’s no need to adjust your diet. You can both eat and drink normally.However, your doctor may require that you fast for a specific amount of time before the test. That’s common if the blood sample is required for additional testing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.

The normal values of the test results are:
1.arterial blood pH: 7.38 to 7.42 which indicates how acidic or alkaline your blood is.
2.HCO3: 22 to 28 milli equivalents/ liter, which prevents the pH from becoming too acidic or alkaline.
3.partial pressure of O2: 75 to 100 mm Hg, which determines how much the O2 dissolves in your blood and goes to the lungs.
4.partial pressure of CO2: 38 to 42 mm Hg, which shows how well the CO2 flows out of your body.
5.O2 saturation: 94 to 100 percent, measures the amount of O2 carried by hemoglobin in your blood.

During this test, a lab technician will draw blood from a vein, generally from the inside of your elbow or A blood gas sample can also be from a vein, which is done by a small prick to the heel.
The lab assistant will:
1.clean your skin with an antiseptic wipe.
2.place an elastic band around your upper arm to help the vein swell with blood.
3.insert a needle in the your and collects the required amount of blood.
4.cover the area with a bandage to stop any bleeding.
5.label your sample and send it to a lab for analysis.