How Do You Take Arterial Blood Gases?
An arterial blood gas, or ABG, is a test to measure the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and the acidity of the blood. It is often ordered for people who have respiratory conditions that may cause an imbalance in the level of gases in the blood. A sample of blood is drawn from an artery. A doctor, nurse, respiratory therapist or lab technician, trained specifically in how to take an ABG, should obtain the sample. Determine the spot from which to get the arterial blood. Arteries used to take an arterial blood gas include the femoral artery in the groin, the brachial artery on the inside of the elbow and the radial artery located on the wrist. The femoral is the largest, but can cause the most complications, such as excessive bleeding. The radial is the most common site to take an arterial blood gas. Perform an Allen’s test if the blood is to be obtained from the radial artery in the wrist to determine collateral circulation. The test helps determine if the ulnar artery,
