Handling, Testing and Reporting ABG Samples
Infection Control Measures
Transporting sample should be done in manner consistent with O.S.H.A. regulations for handling of blood products.
Quality Control Issues
Sample Analysis must be done in a timely manner, consistent with laboratory standards for sample handling, and in such a manner as ensures highest confidence of the sample values. Sampling of arterial blood for any of the indications listed will be useful for patient management only if the sampling procedure is carried out according to an established, proven protocol. The validity of test results can be voided if any of the following occur:
- The sample is contaminated by air, improper anticoagulant or inappropriate anticoagulant concentration, flush solution (if sample is drawn from an indwelling catheter), or venous blood.
- The sample is allowed to clot because of improper anticoagulation of the collection device, improper mixing, or exposure to air.
- If analysis is delayed (greater than l5 minutes for samples held at room temperature or greater than 60 minutes for iced samples held at 4°C).
Quality Control studies are required by any laboratory performing patient medical tests, and there is much to know about Q.C. practices. For further information on managing a clinical blood gas laboratory, please refer to Lesson 2 of this series.
Validating the Report
Numerous methods of validation are in use, but the underlying purpose of ABG report validation is to practice optimal patient care based upon the numerical data represented by the report. As Respiratory Care Practitioners, we must constantly study and reveiew our interpretation skills of analysis of acid-base and oxygenation offered through the clinical use of ABGs.
Legality of Reporting
Once validated, the Arterial Blood Gas report becomes a legal patient medical record. The clinician performing the test, validating the results and reporting the test holds a strong role of responsibility in the health care team.
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