Arterial Blood Gas Analysis (ABG)
Blood
Blood gas analysis allows the assessment of oxygenation, ventilation, acid-base balance and metabolic status.
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis is a critical diagnostic test that measures the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the arterial blood. This test is essential for assessing respiratory function and the acid-base balance within the body. By drawing blood from an artery, usually at the wrist where the radial artery is accessible, the ABG analysis provides information on parameters such as pH, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), bicarbonate (HCO3-), and oxygen saturation (O2 Sat). The pH indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the blood, with normal levels typically ranging from 7.35 to 7.45. PaO2 and PaCO2 levels assess the effectiveness of the lungs in exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide, while bicarbonate levels help gauge the metabolic component of the acid-base balance. An ABG test is particularly useful in managing respiratory diseases, monitoring patients on mechanical ventilation, and evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions in critically ill patients. It's a direct reflection of the gas exchange and metabolic processes in the body, providing vital information that can guide acute and chronic patient management.
Biomarkers included in this panel:
In an Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) analysis, the term A-a O2 refers to the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient. It measures the difference between the oxygen concentration in the alveoli of the lungs and the arterial system. Alveoli are tiny, balloon-
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