Blood Gases : labtest

Why Get Tested?
To determine if your lungs are functioning well enough to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide if you are having symptoms of a respiratory problem; to determine if you have an imbalance in the amount of oxygen gas (O2) or carbon dioxide gas (CO2) in your blood or an acid-base imbalance, which may indicate a respiratory, metabolic, or kidney disorder.

When to Get Tested?
When you have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or rapid breathing; when you have symptoms of an oxygen/carbon dioxide imbalance or an acid-base imbalance; periodically when you have a condition that causes an acute or chronic oxygen shortage and you are on oxygen therapy; during certain surgeries to monitor your blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
Sample Required?
Most often a blood sample collected from an artery, usually the radial artery in the wrist, which is located on the inside of the wrist, below the thumb, where you can feel your pulse; sometimes a blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm; capillary blood from a heelstick may be used for babies

How is it used?
Blood gas measurements are used to evaluate your oxygenation and acid/base status. They are typically ordered if you have worsening symptoms of an acid/base imbalance, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath. Blood gases may be ordered along with other tests, such as electrolytes to determine if an electrolyte imbalance is present, glucose to evaluate blood sugar concentrations, and BUN and creatinine tests to evaluate kidney function.
If you are on continuing supplemental oxygen therapy, blood gases may be used to monitor the effectiveness of that treatment.

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