Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
arterial blood gas
Laboratory test measuring oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acid-base status from arterial blood sample.
Full Definition
Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis provides critical information about oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base balance by measuring pH, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), bicarbonate (HCO3), and base excess from arterial blood. In neonates, samples are typically obtained from umbilical or radial arterial catheters, or by arterial puncture. Results guide ventilator management, oxygen therapy, and treatment of metabolic disturbances in critically ill infants.
Usage
Usage note: Abbreviate as ABG in clinical documentation. Include specific values and interpretation.
In Context
- "The arterial blood gas revealed respiratory acidosis with a pH of 7.25 and PaCO2 of 65 mmHg." — laboratory interpretation
- "Serial arterial blood gas monitoring guided ventilator weaning in the recovering preterm infant." — respiratory care plan
Also known as
ABG
Contrasted with
venous blood gas
Don't confuse with
capillary blood gas
venous blood gas