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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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BLOOD GAS, ARTERIAL

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3463    Geisinger Epic ID:  45106

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Whole blood


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

1 mL whole blood; minimum 0.4 mL.


Special notes: 

Due to sample instability, this test may only be collected and analyzed at a performing laboratory site (see below). Expel excess air from syringe. Mix well immediately after collection.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Room temperature (preferred). Transport immediately. If delay in transport is anticipated, place specimen on an ice slurry.


Specimen stability: 

Stable 30 minutes at room temperature, 1 hour on an ice slurry.


Rejection criteria: 

Stability limits exceeded (greater than 30 minutes at room temperature or greater than 1 hour from time of collection when on ice slurry), specimens containing large clots or air bubbles.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 
pH7.35-7.45
pCO2 (mmHg)35-45
pO2 (mmHg)75-100
Bicarbonate (mmol/L)23-31
Base excess (mmol/L)(-2) - (+2)
HemoglobinSee individual listing
Oxyhemoglobin94-99% total Hgb
Carboxyhemoglobin0-1.5% total Hgb (smokers 0-9%)
Methemoglobin0-1.5% total Hgb
Reduced Hgb0-5% total Hgb
02 content15-24% vol

Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
pH below 7.2 or above 7.6. pO2 <=50. pCO2 above 55 mmHg. Carboxyhemglobin > 9.0%. Hemoglobin: Refer to individual listing.
Additional information: 

None.


CPT code(s):  82805, 85018, 82375, 83050
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

pH, pCO2, pO2, Bicarbonate, Base excess, Hemoglobin, Oxyhemoglobin, Carboxyhemoglobin, Methemoglobin, Reduced Hgb, O2 content.


Methodology: 
Amperometric
Optical
Potentiometric
Synonyms: 

ABG, ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS, BGPA


Clinical significance: 

Blood gas analysis is used to assess acid/base balance and state of oxygen perfusion.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
Sheng-Ying (Margaret) Lo, PhD, DABCC
Benjamin Andress, PhD, DABCC
Review Date:  12/26/2024

Performing Locations