Arterial Blood Gas
ABG
Description
"Arterial Blood Gas" (ABG) test measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in arterial blood to assess lung function and acid-base balance. It’s commonly used in critical care settings to evaluate breathing problems, oxygen therapy, or metabolic disturbances. Abnormal levels may suggest COPD, kidney issues, acidosis, or alkalosis. Results help guide immediate treatment decisions such as oxygen adjustment or medication changes. Regular ABG testing supports effective management of respiratory conditions and monitoring of systemic health changes.
Category
Lung Function, Kidney Function
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Potential Of Hydrogen | Millimeters Of Mercury | Millimoles Per Liter | Percentage
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Basic Pulmonary Function Group, Complete Pulmonary Function Group
Test Group Description
Basic Pulmonary Function Group: Essential tests for assessing respiratory health and function, providing foundational insights into lung capacity and airway function. Complete Pulmonary Function Group: Comprehensive evaluations of respiratory function offer detailed insights into lung function, airway inflammation, and structural abnormalities, facilitating the precise diagnosis and management of pulmonary conditions.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
pH:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Available
PaO₂:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Available
PaCO₂:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Available
HCO₃⁻ (Bicarbonate):
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Available
O₂ Saturation:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Available
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
pH:
Conventional Unit: 7.35–7.45
SI Unit: Not Applicable
PaO₂:
Conventional Unit: 75–100 mmHg
SI Unit: Not Frequently Used
PaCO₂:
Conventional Unit: 35–45 mmHg
SI Unit: Not Frequently Used
HCO₃⁻ (Bicarbonate):
Conventional Unit: 22–26 mmol/L
SI Unit: 22–26 mmol/L
O₂ Saturation:
Conventional Unit: 94–100%
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Asthma (Chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation)
Cardiogenic shock (Severe heart dysfunction leading to inadequate blood flow)
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Chest trauma (Injury to the chest)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Chronic lung condition obstructing airflow)
Diabetic ketoacidosis (Se...
Key Reasons For Testing
Assessment of Respiratory Function: Evaluates lung performance by measuring oxygen and ventilation levels.
Diagnosis of Respiratory Disorders: Identifies conditions like asthma, COPD, or pneumonia.
Evaluation of Acid-Base Balance: Assesses pH, bicarbonate, and CO2 levels to detect acidosis or alkalosis.
Monitoring Ventilatory Status: Tracks ventilator performance and helps adjust settings to prevent lung injury.
Guiding Oxygen Therapy: Optimizes oxygen administration to ensure appropriate delivery.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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