(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.