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Test Code LAB76 Arterial Blood Gas

Important Note

Avoid air bubbles.

Place specimen in outside pocket of a pre-filled biohazard bag of ice, then put into a separate biohazard bag for transport.

Clinical System Name

Arterial Blood Gas

Sample Requirements

Specimen: Whole Blood

Container(s): Heparinized Syringe

Preferred Vol: 1.0 mL

Minimum Vol:  0.8 mL

 

Note:  Expel air from syringe and cap it immediately after obtaining the sample. Ideally, whole blood specimens should be analyzed within 15 minutes of blood draw. Place specimen in OUTSIDE pocket of a pre-filled biohazard bag of ice, then put into a separate biohazard bag for transport.

Processing Instructions

Deliver to Core Lab on ice. Notify technologist - STAT

Reject due to: Inadequately filled specimens, air bubbles, visible clots, age of specimen

Spin: N

Aliquot: N

Temp: 0-4 C

 

Off-site collection: Sample is not drawn by the Laboratory. Samples must be collected at Children's.  Contact Laboratory (206) 987-2617 for additional information.

Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Heparinized Syringe RT  ≤ 15 min.
Heparinized Syringe 0-4 C ≤ 30 min
  -20 C or -70 C N

Availability

STAT Performed TAT
Y 24/7 15 min

Performing Laboratory

Seattle Children's Laboratory    

Department

Department:  Core Rapidpoint/Chemistry

Phone Number: 206-987-2617 (Client Services)

CPT Codes

82803

Methodology

Method: Potentiometric method using standard ion-selective electrode (ISE) technology, Modified potentiometric method based on the principles of the Severinghaus electrode, Amperometric measurement based on the principles of the Clark electrode on Seimens RAPIDPOINT 500.

 

Analytical Volume: 0.2 mL

Reference Range

  pH pCO2 (mm/Hg) pO2 (mm/Hg) HCO3 mEq/L

All Ages

 7.35 - 7.45     18 - 27
0 - 1 m   26 - 40    
1 m -  Adult   35 - 45    
0 - 2 d     60 - 70  
2 d - Adult     80 - 100  

All values are for arterial samples.

Critical Values

Age pH
All Ages

≤ 7.20

≥ 7.60

 

 

Age pCO2 (mmHg)
All Ages

≤ 20

≥ 70

 

Age pO2 (mmHg)
0- 2 d

≤ 30
2 d - Adult

≤ 50

 

 

Age HCO3 mEq/L
All Ages

≤ 10

≥ 40

Synonyms

LAB76

ABG