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Test Code 157 Blood Gases, Arterial

Additional Codes

ALAB: ABG

PowerChart: Blood Gas Arterial

MA Cerner: Arterial Blood Gas

Test Method

iSTAT, iSTAT Corporation

  • pH: Direct Potentiometry
  • pO2: Amperometric
  • pCO2: Direct Poteniometry
  • O2 Saturation: Calculated from pO2, pCO2 and pH
  • HCO3: Calculated from pH and pCO2
  • Total CO2: Calculated from pH and pCO2
  • Base Excess: Calculated from pH and pCO2
  • CO2: Rate of pH Change, CO2 Electrodes
  • Calcium: Ion Specific Electrode

Specimen Requirement

1 mL (minimum volume) of arterial whole blood drawn into a heparin blood gas syringe is required.

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Once the specimen is obtained apply firm pressure to the puncture site for a minimum of 3-5 minutes. After 3-5 minutes, observe the puncture site. Bleeding should have stopped and there should be no swelling around the puncture site. If bleeding cannot be stopped, ask for nursing assistance (for an outpatient, notify a pathologist or supervisor).

  • Arterial & A-line:
    1 mL heparin, arterial whole blood drawn into an abg syringe; specimens can be stored at room temperature for 10 minutes. Do not ice samples before testing. PO2 results may be falsely elevated in cold samples.
  • Capillary: see capillary blood gases

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine orders: Typically completed within 10 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT orders: Typically completed within 10 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Reference Values

Arterial:

  • pH: 7.35-7.45
  • PCO2: 35-45 mm Hg
  • PO2: 80-105 mm Hg
  • HCO3: 22-26 mmol/L
  • Base excess: -2-+3 mmol/L
  • O2 Sat: 95-98%

CPT Code Information

82803 Chemisty; Gases, blood, any combination of pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3 (including calculated O2 Sat)

Useful For

Monitoring O2 administration and respiratory health.

LOINC Code Information

24336-0 Gas Panel-Arterial Blood

 

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