ABG Values & ABG Errors

ABG Interpretation, Normal Values & ABG Errors

Name	Normal Range	Name	Normal Range
pH is not normal Both PaCO2 & HCO3 are not normal	Partially Compensated	pH	7.35 – 7.45 (<7.25 help) (acidosis – alkalosis)
pH is normal Both PaCO2 & HCO are not normal	Compensated	PaCO2	35 – 45 (>55 need help) (alkalosis – acidosis)
pH is not normal Either PaCO2 or PaCO2 must be normal	Uncompensated	HCO3	22 – 26 (acidosis – alkalosis)
		PaO2	80-100 mmHg normal
		PaO2	79 – 60 Mild hypoxemia
		PaO2	59 – 40 Moderate Hypoxemia
		PaO2	< 40 severe hypoxemia
		PaO2	>100 Hyperoxia

What if?	What will effect?	How to avoid it?
Air in the sample of ABG	Raises pH Lowers PaCO2 Raises low PaO2 Lowers high PaO2	Remove all bubbles Throw away foamy samples Cap syringe quickly Mix after air is removed
Excess Anticoagulant  (dilution	Raises pH Lowers PaCO2 Raises low PaO2 Lowers high PaO2	Remove any visible heparin Use dry heparin
Venous admixture	Lowers pH Raises PaCO2 Can greatly lower PO2	Avoid brachial/femoral sites Do not aspirate sample Use short bevel needle Avoid artery overshoot Cross check with SpO2
Metabolic effects	Lowers pH Raises PaCO2 Lowers PO2	Analyze within 15mins Place sample in ice

These stuffs are found in RTP laps in first years.