ABG

Question 1

What is an ABG and what does it measure?

Answer 1

analysis of a sample of arterial blood – a test measuring amounts of certain gases (oxygen tension, carbon dioxide tension, acidity, oxyhaemoglobin saturation and bicarbonate)

Question 2

Why might you do an ABG?

Answer 2

• Identification of respiratory, metabolic, and acid-base disorders
o w/wo physiological compensation
• Measurement of partial pressures of respiratory gases
o Assess need for home O2 therapy in patients with advanced chronic pulmonary disease
• Monitoring of acid-base status
o DKA on insulin infusion
• Assessment of response to therapeutic interventions
o Mechanical ventilation with respiratory failure
• Quantification of oxy-Hb
o Useful information about the oxygen-carrying capacity of the patient
• Quantification of dyshaemoglobins (carboxyhaemoglobin, methemoglobin)
• Procurement of blood sample in acute emergency setting

Question 3

Complications of ABG

Answer 3

• Local haematoma
• Artery vasospasm
• Arterial occlusion
• Air/thrombus embolism
• LA anaphylactic reaction
• Infection
• Needle stick injury
• Vessel laceration
• Vasovagal response
• Haemorrhage
• Local pain