Arterial Blood Gases: Results
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Results
An arterial blood gas (ABG) test measures the acidity (pH) and levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
Normal
Normal values may vary from lab to lab and depend upon the elevation above sea level. Results are usually available right away.
| Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2): | 75–100 mm Hg (9.9–13.2 kPa) |
|---|---|
| Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2): | 35–45 mm Hg (4.6–5.9 kPa) |
| pH: | 7.35–7.45 |
| Bicarbonate (HCO3): | |
| Oxygen content (O2CT): | 15–22 mL per 100 mL of blood (6.6–9.7 mmol/L) |
| Oxygen saturation (O2Sat): | 95%–100% (0.95–1.00) |
The concentration of oxygen being breathed, called the fraction of inhaled oxygen (FiO2), is also usually reported. This is only useful if you are receiving oxygen therapy from a tank or are on a ventilator.
Many conditions can change blood gas levels. Your doctor will talk with you about any abnormal results that may be related to your symptoms and medical history.
Abnormal results may be caused by:
- Diabetes.
- Drug or alcohol overdose.
- Kidney failure.
- Lung diseases, such as chronic lung disease, a blood clot in the lungs, or pneumonia.
- Severe dehydration from severe burns, vomiting, diarrhea, or taking water pills (diuretics).
- Severe infection (sepsis).
| Last updated: | June 17, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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