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HelpTest Code 257 Blood Gases, Venous
Additional Codes
ALAB: VBG
PowerChart: Blood Gas, Venous
MA Cerner: Blood Gases, Venous
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 venous blood drawn into a heparin blood gas syringe is required.
Additional Specimen Collection Information
Prior to collecting venous specimen, push blood gas syringe plunger to expel air from the syringe. Any bubbles that form must be expelled prior to putting the cap on the syringe. Specimens contaminated with air bubbles may not be accepted. The operator’s judgment is required in these situations. All bubbles must be expelled. 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.
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
Venous:
- pH: 7.31-7.41
- PCO2: 41-51 mm Hg
- PO2: 25-40 mm Hg
- HCO3: 23-28 mmol/L
- Base excess: -2 - +3 mmol/L
- O2 Saturation: 40-70%
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
24339-4 Gas Panel-Venous Blood