Sign in →

Test Code VBG Blood Gases, Venous

Additional Codes

 Test ID
VBG

EPIC Test ID
LAB79

Performing Laboratory

St. Luke's Hospital Cedar Rapids

Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Heparinized syringe with venous blood.

Acceptable: Dark Green Heparinized tube (must be full)

Specimen Volume:150 uL of heparinized blood

Stability: Must be run in 30 minutes after collection and 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

 

Base excess: -2 to +2 mmol/L
 

HCO3: 25-28 mmol/L
 

CO2

Males: 23.3-28\9.7 mmol/L

Females: 22.3-28.4 mmol/L


% O2 saturation: 70-80%

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. 

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.