An arterial blood gas test is also known as an ABG test and is generally recommended in ailments related to lung problems. Therefore, an ABG test is often recommended for patients suffering from asthma, COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis among other lung diseases. It may also be used as a means to determine if a certain treatment for lung diseases is successful or to determine if the patient is receiving an adequate amount of oxygen if they are on a respirator. The doctor may suggest the test in cases of severe infections, kidney failure, or heart failure s the test will help to determine the acid-base levels of the blood.
An arterial blood gas test measures the ph levels, carbon dioxide levels as well as the oxygen levels in the blood obtained from the artery of the individual. This test will bring to light any reduction in the body’s ability to absorb oxygen or get rid of carbon dioxide. Since the blood is drawn from an artery, it will reflect the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen before they are absorbed by the tissues of the body.
In an arterial blood gas test, the blood is drawn from the radial artery. In relatively rare cases, blood may be extracted from the femoral artery. If the patient is already undergoing treatment and has an arterial catheter in place, the required sample may be obtained through it. The syringe contains an anti-coagulation agent and once the blood is drawn, the syringe is sealed to prevent air bubbles from entering the sample and distorting the results. It takes approximately 5 minutes or so to get the results of this test. You will need to inform your doctor if you are on any blood-thinning medications. It would also be advisable to discuss your full medical history with your doctor along with any recent medications that you may have been on. If you are allergic to any medications, make it a point to mention it to your doctor. You should also mention if your parents or sibling have any such allergies. This is because allergies are often hereditary and so you may not have had a reaction only because you have not yet come in contact with an allergen. If you are on oxygen therapy, you may be required to turn it off 20 minutes prior to your test. This is done so that the results reflect the ability of your blood to receive oxygen.
Submitted by M T on January 6, 2010 at 08:42