Test Code Blood Gas, Arterial Blood Gas, Arterial, Blood
Performing Laboratory
NRL-Chemistry
Methodology
Includes pH, pCO2, pO2, HCO3, arterial base excess, and % saturation.
Note: Oximetry is also available on a scheduled basis. Blood gas is not available STAT for long-term care facilities.
Specimen Requirements
Call NetworkReferenceLab Customer Service at 314-653-4455 prior to drawing specimen.
Specimen Type: Whole blood, arterial
Container/Tube: Dry, lithium heparinized syringe
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Expel air bubbles.
2. Remove needle from syringe and cap.
3. Immediately place on wet ice.
4. Label syringe with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, and date and actual time of draw.
Reference Values
pH
0 min - 1 day: 7.25-7.40
2 days - 150 years: 7.35-7.45
Alert values (automatic call-back): ≤7.20
or ≥7.60
pO2
0 min - 1 day: 30-100 mmHg
2 days - 160 years: 83-108 mmHg
Alert values (automatic call-back): ≤45 mmHg
pCO2
0 min - 1 day: 30-60 mmHg
2 days - 18 years: 32-48 mmHg
19-150 years: 35-45 mm Hg
Alert values (automatic call-back): ≤20 mm Hg or ≥60 mm Hg
HCO3
0 min - 1 day: 18-35 mmol/L
2 days - 150 years: 20-30 mmol/L
ARTERIAL BASE EXCESS
No reference value
PERCENT SATURATION
90%-95%
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Turnaround Time:
STAT-15 minutes
Routine-1 hour
Specimen Transport Temperature
Wet ice
Test Classification and CPT Coding
82805