Blood Gas, Arterial


Abbrev Code:BGA   
Order Code:LAB76Order Name:Blood Gas Arterial
Synonyms:ABG
CPT Codes: 82803 x1
Special Instructions:Contact Respiratory Therapy for arterial collection.

Whole blood sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, ionized calcium, lactate and glucose may be requested on this specimen. Provide FIO2 on request form.


Collection Instructions

Specimen:Blood
Optimal Volume:0.5 mL (3 mL syringe); 0.2 mL (tuberculin syringe)
Container:Dry heparin syringe
Collection Instructions:
  • UMMC East Bank only: Place sample on ice if analysis may be more than 30 minutes from time of collection.
  • All Other Sites: DO NOT COLLECT ON ICE. Sample must be received within 30 minutes of collection.

Specimens should be free of air bubbles. Deliver to the laboratory immediately, if received within 30 minutes, ice is not required.
Arterial Puncture:
  1. Use VENTED, dry heparin syringe.
  2. Adjust syringe plunger to desired fill volume (0.5 mL).
  3. Remove needle sheath.
  4. Prepare puncture site and perform puncture. Syringe fills when artery is punctured, and "seals" when filled to pre-selected volume.
  5. Withdraw needle, remove any bubbles present and mix syringe thoroughly.

Note: If using vented syringe for collection from vein or vascular device, push plunger all the way in before starting the procedure. Aspirate sample as with non-vented syringe by placing thumb over center hole of plunger.


Processing and Shipping

Specimen Processing:Do not store.
Shipping Instructions:Ship immediately; if received within 30 minutes, ice is not required. Ship on wet ice to arrive within 2 hours.
UMMC, FNMC, FLMC, CSC Mpls: Do not send in PTS.
FSH only: DO NOT COLLECT ON ICE, must arrive in laboratory within 30 minutes.
Stability:Whole blood potassium is stable at room temperature for 2 hours. Whole blood potassium is stable on ice/gel packs for 30 minutes.
Test Performed at or Referral Lab Chemistry  (CSC Mpls, Grand Itasca, Lakes, Northland, Range, Ridges, Southdale, St. John's, UMMC East Bank, UMMC West NICU, UMMC/UMMCH-West Bank, Woodwinds)


Interpretive

Critical Range:Whole Blood Testing Critical Values and Reference Ranges
Reference Range:Whole Blood Testing Critical Values and Reference Ranges
Use:
  1. Evaluate oxygen and metabolic parameters.
  2. Monitor oxygen therapy.
   


Click HERE to Report test errors or omissions.
*If no email program is associated with this computer, please contact:
[email protected] for TestID: 3050"