The Test

• A specially trained technician will draw arterial blood, using a particular type of syringe that is treated with an additive that prevents blood clots. The syringe will be placed on ice and brought to the lab.
  
  

In the Laboratory

• In the laboratory, a technologist will run the specimen through a blood gas analyzer. This machine produces results about different gases in the blood from just a tiny sample of blood. The entire process takes approximately 20 minutes.
  
  

Clinical Significance

• Arterial blood gases are used to screen for such diseases as asthma and cystic fibrosis. They are also frequently used to see if treatments for lung disease have been effective. ABGs also measure the pH level of the blood.
  
  

What is Tested?

• The amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood are measured, as are the number of hydrogen ions, or pH. Oxygen saturation, which measures the amount of hemoglobin molecules that carry oxygen, is another testing component.
  
  

Interfering Factors

• Avoid smoking cigarettes prior to this test, as the toxins in cigarettes may interfere with results. Hyperventilation and carbon-monoxide inhalation will also skew the test results. Certain medications, such as diuretics, anti-inflammatory medications, antacids and antibiotics may also interfere with the analysis. Consult your physician as to which medications, if possible, you should avoid prior to the ABG analysis.