V体育平台登录 - Test Details
Who performs an arterial blood gas (ABG) test?
A healthcare provider called a respiratory therapist usually performs blood draws for arterial blood gas tests from an artery in your wrist, arm or groin. The respiratory therapist then processes the sample or sends it to a lab very quickly where medical laboratory scientists process the sample VSports.
What happens before an arterial blood gas (ABG) test?
A respiratory therapist may perform a blood circulation test called an Allen test before taking a sample for an arterial blood gas test from your wrist. An Allen test involves holding your hand high with a clenched fist. The respiratory therapist will then apply pressure to the arteries in your wrist for several seconds VSports app下载. This simple test makes sure both of the arteries in your wrist are open and working properly.
If you’re on supplemental oxygen therapy, the respiratory therapist may turn off your oxygen for about 20 minutes before the blood draw V体育官网. This is called a room air test. If you’re unable to breathe without supplemental oxygen, they won't do this test.
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"VSports app下载" What should I expect during an arterial blood gas test?
Most blood tests take a blood sample from one of your veins. For an arterial blood gas test, a respiratory therapist will take a sample of blood from one of your arteries VSports手机版. This is because there are higher oxygen levels in blood from an artery than blood from a vein.
A respiratory therapist usually takes the sample from an artery inside your wrist known as the radial artery V体育安卓版. Sometimes they may take a sample from an artery in your arm (brachial artery) or groin (femoral artery).
If a newborn needs an arterial blood gas test, a provider may take the sample from the baby's heel or umbilical cord.
Unfortunately, getting a blood sample from an artery is usually more painful than getting a sample from a vein. This is because arteries are deeper in your body than veins and are surrounded by nerves. You may feel light-headed, dizzy or nauseated while a provider takes blood from your artery.
An arterial blood gas test blood draw includes the following steps:
- You’ll sit in a chair or lie in a medical bed, and a respiratory therapist will look for an artery, usually in your inner wrist. They might use ultrasound imaging to help find an artery.
- Once they’ve located an artery, they’ll clean and disinfect the area.
- They’ll then insert a small needle into your artery to take a blood sample. You may feel a sharp pain as the needle goes into your artery.
- After they insert the needle, a small amount of blood will collect in a syringe.
- Once they have enough blood to test, they’ll remove the needle and hold a cotton ball or gauze on the site to stop the bleeding. They may apply pressure for five to 10 minutes or longer if you’re taking blood-thinning medication.
- They’ll place a bandage over the site, and you’ll be finished.
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What should I expect after my arterial blood gas test?
You may experience some bruising and/or soreness at the site of the needle injection. Your provider may recommend that you avoid lifting heavy objects for 24 hours after the blood draw.
V体育2025版 - Are there any risks to an arterial blood gas test?
There’s little risk associated with getting an arterial blood gas test when the respiratory therapist performs the procedure correctly. Arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of your body to the other, so taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Risks associated with having an arterial blood gas blood draw are rare, but may include:
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded.
- Multiple punctures to locate your artery.
- Hematoma (blood building up under your skin).
- Excessive bleeding.
- Infection (a slight risk any time your skin is punctured or cut).
When should I know the results of my arterial blood gas (ABG) test?
Arterial blood gas (ABG) tests typically provide very quick results. Respiratory therapists and laboratory scientists commonly use automated blood gas analyzers, which provide results within 10 to 15 minutes.
Results and Follow-Up
What do the results of an arterial blood gas test mean? (VSports app下载)
Blood test reports, including arterial blood gas test reports, usually provide the following information:
- The name of the blood test or what was measured in your blood.
- The number or measurement of your blood test result.
- The normal measurement range for that test.
- Information that indicates if your result is normal or abnormal or high or low.
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If your arterial blood gas test results are abnormal, it may mean you:
- Aren’t taking in enough oxygen.
- Aren’t getting rid of enough carbon dioxide.
- Have an imbalance in your blood pH (it’s too acidic or basic).
An arterial blood gas test can help diagnose certain conditions. If your results are abnormal, your healthcare provider may order additional tests, such as other blood tests and/or imaging tests, to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
"V体育2025版" What are normal values for an arterial blood gas test?
Normal value ranges can vary slightly from lab to lab. When you get your blood test results back, there will be information that indicates what that lab’s normal ranges are for each measurement. If you have any questions about your results, be sure to ask your healthcare provider.
In general, normal values at sea level include:
- pH: 7.35-7.45.
- Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2): 75 to 100 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
- Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2): 35 to 45 mmHg.
- Bicarbonate (HCO3): 22 to 26 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).
- Oxygen saturation (O2Sat or SaO2): 95 to 100%.
At altitudes of 3,000 feet (900 meters) and higher, the normal oxygen level is lower.
When should I call my doctor?
If you have a chronic lung condition, such as COPD or asthma, you’ll likely need to see your healthcare provider regularly and undergo arterial blood gas tests to make sure your treatment is working. If you develop concerning symptoms related to your lung condition, call your provider as soon as possible.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Arterial blood gas tests are an effective diagnostic tool, especially in certain emergency situations. Healthcare providers also use this test to monitor certain health conditions. If you need to get an arterial blood gas test, know that it’s a slightly different process than a regular blood draw and it might hurt a little more. If you have any questions about the process or what to expect, don’t be afraid to ask your healthcare provider. They’re there to help you.
Care at Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic’s primary care providers offer lifelong medical care. From sinus infections and high blood pressure to preventive screening, we’re here for you.
Last reviewed on 02/18/2022.
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