An 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 in our machine and can produce instant results. Results are recorded in an electronic medical chart and sent to the Physician. This test may be ordered for the following conditions:
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing difficulty
- Confusion
- Nausea
This test may also be ordered to help qualify patients for home oxygen therapy, as well as, monitoring or suspected of the following:
- Lung, kidney or metabolic diseases
- Head and/or neck injuries that affect breathing