(24) Blood Gas Analysis: acid base clinical chem lab tests review

Blood Gas Analysis Overview

  • Purpose: Measure and evaluate key parameters in arterial blood to assess respiratory and metabolic function.

  • Parameters Measured:

    • pH

    • Oxygen Content

    • Carbon Dioxide Content

    • Additional parameters as necessary.

Collection Methods

  • Arterial Blood Collection:

    • Primary Sites:

      • Radial Artery: Most common site for collection.

      • Brachial Artery: Alternative collection site.

    • Femoral Artery: Doctors may collect samples from here, but it is not permitted for regular lab techs or phlebotomists.

  • Capillary Blood Specimens:

    • Used primarily for infants.

    • Requires specific collection procedures.

Responsibilities and Protocols

  • Departmental Responsibilities:

    • Typically the Respiratory Department handles both collection and analysis.

    • Some institutions may have Clinical Laboratories responsible for this process.

  • Special Procedures: Both arterial and capillary blood specimens have distinct procedures that must be adhered to for accurate results.

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