ABG

Question 1

What is an Arterial Blood Gas?

Answer 1

An arterial blood gas (ABG) is a blood test carried out by taking blood from an artery, rather than a vein. It measures the level of gases and pH in the blood.

Question 2

What are the indications of an arterial blood gas?

Answer 2

Respiratory failure - in acute and chronic states.
Any severe illness which may lead to a metabolic acidosis - for example: Cardiac failure. Liver failure. Renal failure. …
Ventilated patients.
Sleep studies.
Severely unwell patients from any cause - affects prognosis.

Question 3

What are the contraindications of an ABG?

Answer 3

poor collateral circulation 
peripheral vascular disease in the limb 
cellulitis surrounding the site 
arteriovenous fistula.
impaired coagulation (e.g. anticoagulation therapy, liver disease, low platelets <50)