Arterial Blood Gas Collection
Course Objectives
- Explain the purpose of arterial blood gas testing and the clinical significance of the primary components measured.
- Identify key considerations for arterial blood collection, including site selection, patient assessment, safety, and scope of practice.
- Apply appropriate collection, handling, and transport principles to reduce preanalytical error and preserve ABG specimen integrity.
Course Content
Course Creator: Nichelle Volker, RMA
Total CE Hours: 1 Credit Hour
Pace Course #:
586-3002-26
Key Terms:
- Arterial Blood Gas
- Arterial Puncture
- Collateral Circulation
- Partial Pressure
- Preanalytical Error
Outline:
1. Introduction to Arterial Blood Gas Testing
1. Introduction to Arterial Blood Gas Testing
- Purpose and clinical relevance of ABG testing
- Oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status
- Key ABG measurements and comparison with pulse oximetry
2. Arterial Anatomy and Collection Preparation
- Arterial collection sites and radial artery selection
- Circulation and site assessment
- Patient preparation, equipment, and authorized scope of practice
3. Safe Arterial Blood Collection
- Radial arterial puncture considerations
- Patient monitoring and recognition of complications
- Post-puncture care and hemostasis
4. Specimen Integrity and Preanalytical Errors
- Air bubbles and exposure to room air
- Clot formation, venous contamination, and inadequate fill volume
- Delayed analysis and appropriate transport conditions
- Documentation and specimen-handling requirements
- Knowledge Application: Recognizing an air-exposure concern
5. Collection Difficulties and Patient-Specific Risks
- Recognizing when to stop an arterial collection
- Absent or unexpected blood flow
- Knowledge Application: When to Stop
- Alternate arterial collection sites
- Special patient considerations
6. Recognizing and Preventing Unreliable Results
- Unexpected ABG results and potential preanalytical concerns
- Communication and escalation within the collector's authorized role
- Preventing preanalytical errors
7. Final Application and Course Conclusion
- Knowledge Application: Prioritizing patient safety and specimen integrity
- Key Takeaways
References:
- Davis, M. D., Walsh, B. K., Sittig, S. E., & Restrepo, R. D. (2013). AARC clinical practice guideline: Blood gas analysis and hemoximetry: 2013. Respiratory Care, 58(10), 1694–1703. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.02786 PubMed
- D’Orazio, P., Ehrmeyer, S. S., Jacobs, E., Toffaletti, J. G., & Wandrup, J. H. (2009). Blood gas and pH analysis and related measurements (2nd ed.; CLSI guideline C46-A2). Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. CLSI
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025). Pulse oximeters. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/products-and-medical-procedures/pulse-oximeters U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- World Health Organization. (2010). WHO guidelines on drawing blood: Best practices in phlebotomy.https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241599221 World Health Organization
- Romeu-Bordas, Ó., & Ballesteros-Peña, S. (2017). Reliability and validity of the modified Allen test: A systematic review and metanalysis. Emergencias, 29(2), 126–135. PubMed
- Baird, G. (2013). Preanalytical considerations in blood gas analysis. Biochemia Medica, 23(1), 19–27. https://doi.org/10.11613/BM.2013.005 Hrčak
- Çuhadar, S., Özkanay-Yörük, H., Köseoğlu, M., & Katırcıoğlu, K. (2022). Detection of preanalytical errors in arterial blood gas analysis. Biochemia Medica, 32(2), 020708. https://doi.org/10.11613/BM.2022.020708
