

The PaCO2 indicates whether the acidosis or alkalemia is primarily from a respiratory or metabolic acidosis/alkalosis. Next, evaluate the respiratory and metabolic components of the ABG results, the PaCO2 and HCO3, respectively. In other words, a pH of 7.37 would be categorized as acidosis, and a pH of 7.42 would be categorized as alkalemia. If the pH is in the normal range (7.35-7.45), use a pH of 7.40 as a cutoff point. The first step is to look at the pH and assess for the presence of acidemia (pH 7.45). This method helps determine the presence of an acid-base disorder, its primary cause, and whether compensation is present.

However, the Romanski method of analysis is most simplistic for all levels of providers. Several articles have described simplistic ways to interpret ABG results. Interpretation leads to an understanding of the degree or severity of abnormalities, whether the abnormalities are acute or chronic, and if the primary disorder is metabolic or respiratory in origin. Īrterial blood gas interpretation is best approached systematically. Similarly, the radial collateral blood flow is assessed by maintaining ulnar artery pressure and releasing the radial artery pressure. If the palm does not return to its actual color, it is an abnormal test and unsafe to puncture the radial artery. In 10 to 15 seconds, the palm returns to its original color, indicating adequate Ulnar collateral blood flow. Then pressure over the ulnar artery is released while the radial artery compression is maintained. The palm will now appear pale, white, or blanched. After five seconds, unclench the raised fist. Then pressure is applied over the ulnar and radial arteries with the intent to occlude the blood flow. The selected upper extremity is flexed at the elbow, and the patient requested to clench the raised fist for 30 seconds. The test is performed on the unilateral upper extremity chosen for the procedure (Please look at the attached image for graphical illustration). The next most common site is the femoral artery. The arterial site commonly used is the radial artery, as it is superficial and easily palpable over the radial styloid process. Alternatively, pulse oximetry and duplex ultrasound can be used too. Many diseases are evaluated using an ABG, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe sepsis, septic shock, hypovolemic shock, diabetic ketoacidosis, renal tubular acidosis, acute respiratory failure, heart failure, cardiac arrest, asthma, and inborn errors of metabolism.Ī modified Allen test is a must before an ABG is drawn from either of the upper extremities to check for adequate collateral flow. Īrterial blood gases are frequently ordered by emergency medicine, intensivist, anesthesiology, and pulmonology clinicians but may also be needed in other clinical settings. The calculation has been disputed as both accurate and inaccurate based on the study, machine, or calibration used and must be interpreted appropriately based on your institutional standards. However, a larger difference may be seen on the ABG, compared to the measured value, especially in critically ill patients. For that reason, the difference will amount to around 1.2 mmol/L. The calculation only accounts for dissolved CO2 this measurement using a standard chemistry analysis will likely be called a "total CO2". The measured HCO3 uses a strong alkali that liberates all CO2 in serum, including dissolved CO2, carbamino compounds, and carbonic acid. This calculation frequently results in a discrepancy from the measured due to the blood CO2 unaccounted for by the equation. A derivative of the Hasselbach equation calculates the serum bicarbonate (HCO3) and base deficit or excess. When assessing the acid-base balance, most ABG analyzers measure the pH and PaCO2 directly. Although oxygenation and ventilation can be assessed non-invasively via pulse oximetry and end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring, respectively, ABG analysis is the standard. PaCO2 is affected by hyperventilation (rapid or deep breathing), hypoventilation (slow or shallow breathing), and acid-base status. PaO2 provides information on the oxygenation status, and PaCO2 offers information on the ventilation status (chronic or acute respiratory failure). ABG analysis assesses a patient's partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2). An arterial blood gas (ABG) tests explicitly blood taken from an artery. Ī "blood gas analysis" can be performed on blood obtained from anywhere in the circulatory system (artery, vein, or capillary). Understanding and use of blood gas analysis enable providers to interpret respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic disorders. Blood gas analysis is a commonly used diagnostic tool to evaluate the partial pressures of gas in blood and acid-base content.
