Blood Gases (Capillary Stick)

Label Mnemonic:	FBG
Epic code:	LAB78
Downtime form:	A-1a Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery

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

Specimen(s):

Whole Blood

Collection Medium:

	or
Capillary tube	or	Microvette, heparinized

Minimum:

125 microliters; lyophilized heparin capillary tube.

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:

Adult Patients                Pediatric Patients (<18 years old)
pH      7.30-7.40
PCO2      37-50          32-45 mm Hg for girls     35-48 mm Hg for boys
pO2       50-65

Critical Care Laboratory Critical Values:
pH          <7.20 and >7.60
PCO2 Adults <20 and >70
     Peds   <20 and >55

Special Care Nursery Laboratory 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. Specimen must be collected anaerobically. 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