CDOS

ABG (Arterial Blood Gases), Routine

Test Code: ABG

CPT Code: 82803

Test Link (Copy)

Test Name

ABG (Arterial Blood Gases), Routine

Epic Test Code

LAB76

Alias

Blood Gas, Arterial

Specimen Type

3.0 mL (min: 1.5 mL) whole blood in lithium heparin blood gas syringe

Specimen Container

Lithium heparin blood gas syringe

Specimen Handling

Perform Allen Test. If successful, draw a full lithium heparin blood gas syringe. Remove all air from syringe and cap tightly. Immediately mix gently and place syringe on wet ice. Specimen must arrive in testing laboratory within 30 minutes of draw. Procurement of specimen at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, or PHWMH - Mukwonago is strongly recommended.
1. Do not expose specimen to air.
2. Patient’s name and date of birth, date and time of draw, and u# of person drawing specimen are required on specimen.
3. Label syringe with FIO2 and any significant conditions (eg, nasal cannula, face mask).

Unacceptable Conditions

Clotted specimen
PO2 <50 may require redraw
Specimens with excessive air bubbles

Schedule

Daily

Stability

Specimen must arrive within 30 minutes of draw. Transport syringe on wet ice.

Reference Range Information

pCO2
Males: 34-45 mm Hg
Females: 34-45 mm Hg
Critical Values: <20 mm Hg or >70 mm Hg

pH
7.35-7.45
Critical Values: <7.20 or> 7.60

pO2
80-100 mm Hg
Critical Values: <50 or >700 mm Hg

HCO3
21-28 mmol/L

TCO2
23-30 mmol/L
Critical Values: <10 or >40

BASE
0 ± 2.5 mmol/L

Referral Lab Information

Waukesha Memorial Hospital; Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital; PHWMH Mukwonago Hospital

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