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Blood Gas - Arterial

Source Blood 
Mnemonic BGA 
Specimen Requirements

Note: Collected by Respiratory/Anesthesia/Nursing Services

Adult: 1 mL of blood in a Balanced Heparin Blood Gas Syringe
Pediatric: 0.1-0.3 mL of blood in 1 mL Balanced Heparin Blood Gas Syringe

 
Specimen Handling Mix well. Avoid/remove air bubbles. Must be analyzed within 15 minutes of collection. 
Additional Information

Blood Gas includes: pH, pCO2, pO2, Bicarbonate (HCO3), Base Excess (BE), Total Hemoglobin, Oxyhemoglobin (O2 Saturation), Carboxyhemoglobin, Methemoglobin, Hematocrit, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Ionized Calcium, Glucose, and Lactate.

NOTE: Patient must meet the qualifications to have an arterial blood gas performed. These tests are run as a panel ONLY. This test panel is not routine electrolyte, metabolite or hemoglobin testing.

 
Testing Location Respiratory-ACH, FMC, PLC & RGH 
Testing Frequency Daily 
Alternate Name(s) Arterial Blood Gas, ABG 
Reference Interval  


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