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Test Code ABGS Blood Gases, Arterial

Additional Codes

 Test ID
ABGS

EPIC Test ID
LAB76

Performing Laboratory

St. Luke's Hospital Cedar Rapids

Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Heparinized syringe with arterial blood.

Acceptable: Dark Green Heparinized tube (must be full)

Specimen Volume: 65 uL of heparinized blood

Stability: Must be run within 30 minutes kept at room temperature

Collection Instructions:  Specimen must be kept as anaerobic as possible.

Reference Values

pH

7.35-7.45 units
Critical values

0-30 days: <7.2 units or >7.5 units

≥1 month: <7.2 units or >7.6 units
 

pCO2

Males: 35-48 mm Hg

Females: 32-45 mm Hg

Critical values

≥18 years: <20 mm Hg or >60 mm Hg

 

pO2

83-108 mm Hg
Critical values

0-23 months: <50 mm Hg or >300 mm Hg

≥2 years: <50 mm Hg or >200 mm Hg

 

Base Excess: -2 to +2 mmol/L

 

HCO3: 22-26 mmol/L
 

CO2

Males: 23.3-29.7 mmol/L

Females: 22.3-28.4 mmol/L
 

% O2 saturation: 94-98%

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Useful For

Blood gas analyses are usually performed for the assessment of either the acid-base status or the respiratory oxygenation status of the patient. 

Arterial blood is the specimen of choice when evaluating the body's respiratory system.

Methodology

Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE)

Includes pH, pCO2, pO2, bicarbonate (HCO3), CO2, base excess, and % O2 saturation.

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82803

Report Available

15 minutes upon receipt