Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
Definition
Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis evaluates gas exchange in the lungs by measuring the
partial pressures of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (Paco2) as well as the pH of an
arterial sample. Pao2 measures the pressure exerted by the oxygen dissolved in the blood
and evaluates the lungs’ ability to oxygenate the blood.
Paco2 measures the pressure exerted by carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood and reflects
the adequacy of ventilation by the lungs. The pH measures the blood's hydrogen ion
concentration and its carbonate (HCO3-) is a measure of the bicarbonate ion concentration in
the blood, which is regulated by the kidneys. Oxygen saturation (Sa02) is the oxygen content
of the blood expressed as a percentage of the oxygen capacity which is the amount of
oxygen then blood is capable of carrying if all of the hemoglobin [Hb] were fully saturated).
Oxygen content (o2CT) measures the actual amount of oxygen in the blood and isn’t
commonly used in blood gas evaluation.
Definition
Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis evaluates gas exchange in the lungs by measuring the
partial pressures of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (Paco2) as well as the pH of an
arterial sample. Pao2 measures the pressure exerted by the oxygen dissolved in the blood
and evaluates the lungs’ ability to oxygenate the blood.
Paco2 measures the pressure exerted by carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood and reflects
the adequacy of ventilation by the lungs. The pH measures the blood's hydrogen ion
concentration and its carbonate (HCO3-) is a measure of the bicarbonate ion concentration in
the blood, which is regulated by the kidneys. Oxygen saturation (Sa02) is the oxygen content
of the blood expressed as a percentage of the oxygen capacity which is the amount of
oxygen then blood is capable of carrying if all of the hemoglobin [Hb] were fully saturated).
Oxygen content (o2CT) measures the actual amount of oxygen in the blood and isn’t
commonly used in blood gas evaluation.
