Normal Range for Oxygen Blood Gas Test
The Oxygen Blood Gas Test is a part of the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) test. This test measures the oxygen in the blood. It also measures the carbon dioxide in it and the acidity of it. Expressed a different way, it looks at how efficiently the lungs provide oxygen for the blood and remove carbon dioxide from them. It also considers how well the kidneys are maintaining the pH level of the blood.
Other People Are Reading
-
Purpose
-
One performs an ABG test for many respiratory, diseases. The causes here vary from problems like emphysema and severe pneumonia to the depression of the respiratory portion of the brain due to trauma.
This test is also performed if diseases are suspected where there could be metabolic or respiratory acidosis or alkalosis. Acidosis is too much acid in the blood, a pH below 7.35 and it's counterpart alkalosis is too little acid in the blood, a pH above 7.45.
People receiving oxygen also must have their ABG monitored. High concentrations of oxygen can be toxic. So premature infants who are receiving oxygen must be monitored to ensure the amount of oxygen they are getting is appropriate. Likewise, patients on ventilators must be closely watched.
Procedure
-
There is little preparation needed for the Arterial Blood Gas test. If you are receiving oxygen, the oxygen level received must be the same for at least 20 minutes prior to the test. If the test is to be taken without oxygen, then the oxygen must be turned off for at least 20 minutes prior to the test.
The blood is taken from a puncture in an artery. The most common place is the radial artery in the wrist, but other sites can be used. Heparin is normally given to prevent coagulation of the blood. The blood can also be obtained through an arterial catheter.
The blood should be analyzed within 30 minutes or chilled.
-
Risks
-
There is little risk to this procedure provided that you do not have a bleeding disorder. You should let your physician know if you are taking any kind of blood thinner or even an aspirin regiment before the test. Many people will experience cramping or throbbing at the puncture site. Bruising is also common. Some people may feel faint or light-headed after the test. If you notice bleeding, numbness, tingling, bruising or discoloration at the puncture site, let your doctor know.
Normal Results
-
These results shown below are for sea level arterial blood gas results. At altitudes 3,000 feet and above, the oxygen results are lower. To clarify the notations: mmHG stands for millimeters of mercury and MEq/L stands for milliequivalnets per liter.
Oxygen saturation (SaO2) 94 to 100 percent
Partial pressure of Oxygen: (PaO2) 75 to 100 mmHG
Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) 35 to 45 mmHG
pH of 7.35 to 7.45
Bicarbonate (HCO3) 22 to 26 mEq/L
Alternatives
-
Pulse oximeters are non-invasive alternatives to ABG. While they don't supply the volume of data that ABG does, they do a good job of measuring the oxgen saturation of the blood. They are attached to the finger or ear lobe and measure oxygen saturation through light waves. This is ideal for monitoring patients during anesthesia and in the recovery phase. They may be used in intensive care as well. This is an alternative for individuals with bleeding disorders and for individuals whose need for repeated sampling is based on oxygenation of the blood.
-
