Tag: ABGs

This test measures the amount of bicarbonate, a form of carbon dioxide, in your blood. Bicarbonate, also known as HCO3, is a byproduct of your body’s metabolism. Your blood brings bicarbonate to your lungs, and then it is exhaled as carbon dioxide. Your kidneys also help regulate bicarbonate.

The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) is the measure of carbon dioxide within arterial or venous blood. It often serves as a marker of sufficient alveolar ventilation within the lungs.

Total carbon dioxide content (TCO2) measurement is the sum of the bicarbonate, carbonic acid, and dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) in plasma, serum or whole blood. In the peripheral venous blood this is used to assist in evaluating the pH status of the patient and to assist in evaluation of electrolytes.

Standard bicarbonate is the concentration of bicarbonate in the plasma from blood which is equilibrated with a normal PaCO2 (40 mmHg) and a normal pO2 (over 100 mmHg) at a normal temperature (37°C).

Oxygen saturation is the percent of hemoglobin present as oxyhemoglobin; it is measured directly with oximetry. Oxygen capacity is the maximal amount of oxygen that can be bound to hemoglobin.

PO2 (partial pressure of oxygen) reflects the amount of oxygen gas dissolved in the blood. It primarily measures the effectiveness of the lungs in pulling oxygen into the blood stream from the atmosphere. Elevated pO2 levels are associated with: Increased oxygen levels in the inhaled air.

The pH tells you if your patient is acidotic or alkalotic. Normal values for pH range from 7.35 – 7.45. It is a measurement of the acid content or hydrogen ions [H+] in the blood. Low pH indicates a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (acidosis) while a high pH indicates a lower concentration of hydrogen ions (alkalosis).

An arterial blood gas test measures the amount of blood gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. An ABG test requires a small volume of blood to be drawn from the radial artery with a syringe and fine needle, but the femoral artery in the groin or other site is sometimes used.

An arterial blood gas test measures the amount of blood gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. An ABG test requires a small volume of blood to be drawn from the radial artery with a syringe and fine needle, but the femoral artery in the groin or other site is sometimes used.