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HelpTest Code 357 Blood Gases, Capillary
Additional Codes
ALAB: CBG
PowerChart: Blood Gas, Capillary (DB)
MA Cerner: Blood Gases, Capillary
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
Blood collected by capillary puncture into specialized heparin collection tubes designed for use in blood gas determination.
Additional Specimen Collection Information
Prewarm the extremity to be punctured for 3-10 minutes using a heel warmer or warm cloth. Collect the blood by capillary puncture technique.
The patient is ventilated as prescribed by the clinician. When ordering blood gases include the following:
- Type of capillary specimen (heelstick or fingerstick)
- Inspired O2
- Device used to administer the oxygen
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
Capillary:
- pH: 7.35-7.45
- PCO2: 30-40 mm Hg
- PO2: 50-65 mm Hg
- HCO3: not established
- Base excess: -2 to +3
- O2 Saturation: 92 - 96 %
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
24337-8 Gas Panel-Capillary Blood