Guideline sources The following summarized guidelines for the evaluation of blood gas analysis are prepared by our editorial team based on guidelines from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC 2013). 1 2 2 2 3 Definition Blood gas analysis is a common diagnostic tool to correctly interpret most of the respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic derangements through arterial and pulmonary/central venous blood gas and electrolyte analysis. 2 Epidemiology Blood gas analysis is used for the assessment of shunt fraction, pulmonary dead space, and respiratory, hemodynamic and metabolic relationship allowing for diagnosis and monitoring of critically ill patients. 2 Disease course Blood gas analysis is performed either through the arterial, central venous, or dual sampling of blood to assess oxygenation status, ventilatory and respiratory status, metabolic acid-base equilibrium disorders helping in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients in emergency departments and ICUs. 2 Prognosis and risk of recurrence Blood gas analysis is not associated with increased mortality. 3 https://web.pathway.md/diseases/rec8GEnDD8w5MzQF3 1/2 6/29/23, 3:18 AM Blood gas analysis Pathway Guidelines 1. Diagnostic investigations General principles: obtain blood gas analysis and hemoximetry to evaluate a patient's ventilatory, acid-base, and/or oxygenation status. A Show 3 more Assessment of oxygenation: avoid capillary blood gas analysis to determine oxygenation status. D Show 2 more Assessment of ventilation: avoid using venous arterial partial pressure of CO and pH as a substitute for arterial blood measurement of arterial partial pressure of CO and pH. D Clinical findings Symptoms Past medical history Confusion CKD Difficulty breathing Metabolic disorders Nausea Respiratory exam Past events Dyspnea Head injury Lab findings Blood gas analysis Ph of the blood blood CO2 blood oxygen References 1. Davis MD, Walsh BK, Sittig SE et al. AARC clinical practice guideline: blood gas analysis and hemoximetry: 2013. Respir Care. 2013 Oct;58 10 1694 703. Open 2. Luciano Gattinoni, Antonio Pesenti, Michael Matthay. Understanding blood gas analysis. 2018 Jan;44 1 91 93.2018 Jan;44 1 91 93. Open 3. Lora Dukic, Lara Milevoj Kopcinovic, Adrijana Dorotic et al. Blood gas testing and related measurements: National recommendations on behalf of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. 2016 Oct 15;26 3 318 336.2016 Oct 15;26 3 318 336. Open https://web.pathway.md/diseases/rec8GEnDD8w5MzQF3 2/2