Blood Gases (Arterial)

Label Mnemonic:	ABG
Epic code:	LAB76
Downtime form:	Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery

Critical Care - Relocated to Core Laboratory
6240 RCP
356-3527

Specimen(s):

Whole Blood (syringe only)

Collection Medium:

Lithium/Sodium Heparin syringe

Minimum:

0.5 mL in Lithium/Sodium Heparin syringes ONLY. No air bubbles in syringe.

Delivery Instructions:

Deliver to laboratory immediately after collection.

Testing Schedule:

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Turn Around Time:

10 minutes (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference Range:

          Adults             Pediatrics
pH      7.35-7.45      7.32-7.42 (0 to 1 month)
PCO2      35-45          30-40 (0 to 18 years)
pO2       80-90          80-100 (1 month to 18 years)
                         60-80 (0 to 1 month)
BE        -2 to 2
HCO3      22-26 mEq/L
TCO2      24-32 mEq/L

Critical Care Critical Values:
pH           <7.20 and >7.60
pCO2 Adults  <20   and >70
     Peds    <20   and >55
pO2          <40

Special Care Nurseries Critical Values:
pH   <7.25 and >7.65
pCO2 <30   and >70

Comments:

Blood gas analyses and calculations assume a patient temperature of 37°C unless the laboratory is informed of a different temperature either by phone or by paper documentation if sample is hand- delivered. Any air drawn in with the sample must be expelled immediately. Samples that contain greater than 25% air to sample volume ratio will not be analyzed. All needles must be removed from the syringe before delivery.

Methodology:

Traditional Electrodes

CPT Code:

82803

See Additional Information:
Critical Care Critical Lab Values
Specimens Requiring Immediate Delivery