What is Blood Gas Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is a blood gas test?
A blood gas test is usually done to measure the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. It also measures the pH levels of the blood.
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What are the other names for it?
Other common used to denote this test are:
- Arterial blood gas test
- ABG
- Blood gas analysis
Why is a blood gas test done?
This test is done to determine the precise amount of oxygen and CO2 in the body, which helps to know whether the kidneys and lungs are working properly.
What is measured in the ABG test?
It measures the following:
- Oxygen content (O2CT)
- Oxygen saturation(O2Sat)
- Haemoglobin
- The partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)
- pH
- The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)
- Bicarbonate (HCO3)
What is the normal range in ABG test?
The normal range for blood gas test or ABG test is:
- Oxygen content (O2CT): 15-23% per 100 mL of blood
- Oxygen saturation(O2Sat): 95-100%
- Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2): 80-100 mm of Hg
- pH: 7.35-7.45
- Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2): 35-45 mm of Hg
- Bicarbonate (HCO3): 22-26 mEq/L
What are the symptoms indicative of this test?
If the following symptoms of imbalance in pH, oxygen or carbon dioxide are present, the test needs to be done which includes:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Breathing difficulty
- Confusion
How is this test performed?
The test being called Blood gas analysis, in which blood sample is taken from anywhere in the circulatory system be it artery, vein or capillaries. But in Arterial blood gas (ABG) test sample is taken from the arteries only.
What happens during this test?
For most of the tests sample of blood is usually taken from veins but in this test it is taken from arteries as they contain a higher amount of oxygen.
Sample in this case is taken from the wrist or arm or groin. This procedure of taking sample from artery is quite uncomfortable so a numbing medicine is applied to your skin first and then syringe is inserted and blood is drawn.
Are there any special preparations to be done before the test?
Any blood thinners including aspirin should be stopped before the test and information regarding any other supplements that are being taken is to be given to the health care provider.
Is there any risk related to it?
There is very little risk related to this test except some bruising at the point where the blood is drawn as there might be a damage to the artery or nerve. Also lifting heavy objects 24 hrs after the test is to be avoided.
