Test Code BGV Blood Gases, Venous, Blood
Methodology
Electrochemical Ion-Sensors/Co-OximetryIncludes pH; pCO2; pO2; bicarbonate (HCO3); hemoglobin (Hgb), total; measured O2 saturation (SO2); oxyhemoglobin (FO2 Hb); and O2 content.
Used to assess acid-base status.
Performing Laboratory
St. Clair Hospital LaboratorySpecimen Requirements
Specimen must arrive within 1 hour of draw.
1 lithium heparin blood gas syringe (1 mL of lithium heparin whole blood) or 1 green-top (heparin) tube (1 mL of heparinized whole blood). If a green-top tube is used, invert 5 to 6 times before placing in wet ice slush. Syringe should be placed in wet ice slush immediately after draw.
Note: Include ventilation parameters, if applicable.
Reference Values
pH: 7.32-7.43 pH unitspCO2: 38-50 mm Hg
pO2: 35-45 mm Hg
HCO3: 23-30 mmol/L
O2 content: 10.0-18.0 mL/dL
FO2 Hb: no established reference values
Hgb, TOTAL
Males: 14.0-18.0 g/dL
Females: 12.0-16.0 g/dL
SO2: 55-75%