2. Venous Blood Gas Sampling Flashcards
Who are Venous Blood Gas Samples taken from?
- Critically Ill Patients
2. Deteriorating Patients
How often are Venous Blood Gas Samples taken?
On a Daily Basis
Why are Venous Blood Gas Sample Taken?
- To Assess Levels of
a) Carbon Dioxide
b) pH
c) Bicarbonate - To Screen for Systemic Acidosis
What is Venous Blood Gas Samples not taken for?
Assessing Patient’s Oxygenation
What is the name of the Machine which Analyses the Venous Blood Gas Samples?
Blood Gas Analyser
What can Blood Gas Analysers also measure?
- Electrolytes
- Glucose Levels
- Serum Lactate
Where is the Sample Obtained from? (Site)
- A Peripheral Catheter (IV Cannula)
2. PICC
When can Venous Blood Gas Samples be Obtained from a Peripheral Catheter ((IV Cannula)?
Immediately After Placement is Complete
What are the Indications for Obtaining a Venous Blood Sample in a Critically Ill / deteriorating Patient?
- Determine the Acid - Base Balance (e.g. Pericardiac / Respiratory Arrest, Diabetic Ketoacidosis)
- Determine the Electrolyte Levels
- Are there special “Arterial Blood Sampling Kits” available?
- What is special about them?
- Yes
- The syringe is pre-filled with the required amount of Heparin - to prevent clotting
Note - The Heparin is not normally seen but is there
If an “Arterial Blood Sampling Kit” is not available, what is the procedure?
- 1mL of 1000 micrograms/mL of Heparin is Drawn into a Syringe
- The Heparin is completely expelled, leaving a very small amount of Heparin in the Hub
- The Needle is Changed to a fresh 25 Gauge Needle
How much Heparin is required for the 2-3mL Blood Sample taken?
0.2mL - This is what will remain in the Hub of the Syringe
Are Tourniquets used in the Venous Blood Sampling procedure?
No
What needs to happen if the Venous Blood Gas Sample will not be Analysed, by the Blood Gas Analyser, for 30 minutes or more?
- The Cap is Securely Fitted
- The Sample is Labelled with:
a) Patient’s Details
b) Time and Date of the Sample
c) FiO2 at the time of Sampling - The Syringe is placed in a Biohazard Bag and sealed
- The Biohazard Bag is placed in Ice
In Clinical Practice, are Venous Blood Samples always taken from an IV Cannula, which has just been Inserted?
No, Veins from Phlebotomy may be Accessed