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Test Code LAB0291955 Blood Gases, Arterial

Methodology

Electrode Methodology
Includes pH, pCO2, pO2, bicarbonate (HCO3), base excess, and % O2 saturation.

Performing Laboratory

CentraCare Laboratory Services

Specimen Requirements

Place specimen on wet ice and send to CentraCare Laboratory Services within 30 minutes of draw. No ice required if analysis is done within 30 minutes of collection.

 

Specimen Type: Arterial blood

Container/Tube: Heparinized blood gas syringe

Collection Instructions:

1. Immediately mix and place syringe on wet ice after draw to keep cool, and send in syringe.

2. Avoid exposure of specimen to atmosphere.

Specimen Transport Temperature

On wet ice

Reference Values

pH: 7.35-7.45 units
Critical values (automatic call-back): ≤7.25 units or ≥7.60 units


pCO2: 35-45 mm Hg
Critical values (automatic call-back): ≤20 mm Hg or ≥70 mm Hg


pO2: 80-105 mm Hg
Critical value (automatic call-back): ≤50 mm Hg


HCO3: 22-26 mmol/L
Critical values (automatic call-back): ≤14 mmol/L or ≥40 mmol/L

 

Base excess: -2.0 to 3.0 mmol/L
% O2 saturation: 95-98%

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82803