Arterial Blood Gas
An arterial blood gas (ABG) test can be used to assess oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in arterial blood, along with several other measures.
A small amount of blood is aspirated by a needle from an artery (usually the radial artery). A respiratory therapist analyzes the blood in a machine and can produce instant results, which are recorded in an electronic medical chart and sent to the physician.
This test may be performed on patients experiencing:
- Confusion
- Head/neck injury that affects breathing
- Lung, kidney, or metabolic disease
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
This test may also be performed to help qualify patients for home oxygen therapy.