What is an arterial blood gas?
Arterial blood gas (ABG) is a type of blood test that measures pH or acidity of blood, as well as gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. The test is usually performed in humans if they have breathing problems such as emphysema and asthma. It helps doctors to evaluate whether the lungs work efficiently
When inhaled, we breathe in oxygen that is transported from the lungs to the bloodstream. During exhalation, carbon dioxide is released and also travels through blood. Two of the most important factors measuring ABG are the level of both carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the blood.
The carbon dioxide level affects blood pH, which is why it is considered a critical factor measured by arterial blood gas. Excess carbon dioxide reduces pH lower and causes a condition known as respiratory acidosis. This can lead to different symptoms, including confusion, headaches, coma and possible death.
Arterial blood gas ALSO measures oxygen in the blood in two ways. The first measurement is called partial oxygen pressure (PA02). It measures how effectOxygen has moved from the lungs to the bloodstream. The second measurement is the level of saturation with oxygen, which means how much oxygen is in the blood.
Many types of blood runs are obtained from a vein. Arterial blood gas is taken from the artery. It is usually drawn from a radial artery located in the wrist or from a brachial artery, which can be felt on the inside of the arm at the elbow level. Specially trained medical personal personal personal gas can draw arterial blood gas, including doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and laboratory technicians.
Medical staff performing ABG first performs Allen's test. This test confirms that the patient has collateral circulation in his hand. The radial artery together with the ulnar artery is supplied by the clippings. Although it is unlikely, if the radial artery is damaged during blood collection, it is important to ensure that the Ulnar artery supplies the hand of the blood.
the next stepEM is a wrist broth using an alcohol swab to prevent infection. Because the arteries are not visible, the technician will feel for pulse. Once the pulse is placed, the technology will insert the needle and the blood will flow into the syringe. After the needle is removed, pressure exert pressure on the artery to ensure that the bleeding stops. The blood sample then passes through a special machine that can provide laboratory values.