Blood Gas, venous

Message
Only at GEC


Test Code
GBGV


Alias/See Also
VABG


Includes
pH, PCO2, PO2, HCO3, base excess or base deficit


Preferred Specimen
3/4 to full tube (minimum 2mL)


Instructions
 Specimens are collected via routine arterial puncture.
Exposure to air may increase PCO2.
 Avoid drawing specimens from extremity with I.V.

 Heel/Fingerstick: do not use the first drop of blood (may cause false increase in potassium while decreasing other tests results). Obtain and fill a 150ul balanced heparin capillary tube.

In-dwelling lines: it is recommended to withdraw three to six times the volume of the catheter, connectors, and needle to remove intravenous solutions, heparin, and or medications that may contaminate the sample. 
Avoid drawing specimens from extremity with I.V.
Avoid prolonged tourniquet use and clenching and unclenching the fist.


Transport Container


Lithium or sodium heparin collection tube (green top, any size)




Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 10 minutes, Refrigerated:  not established, Frozen:  unacceptable


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Evidence of clotting
Syringe with air bubbles in sample


Reference Range
Analyte Unit ReferenceRange Critical Range
pH Venous   0-30D      7.320-7.460 None defined
31D-17y  7.31-7.41
> 18y 7.31-7.41
PCO2 Venous mmHg 0-30D      35.0-50.0 None defined
31D-17y  40.0-52.0
> 18y 41.0-51.0
PO2 Venous mmHg 0-30D      30-60 None defined
31D-17y  30-50
> 18y 40
%02 Venous % None defined None defined
Base excess/ Base deficit
Venous
mmol/L 31D-17y  -2 to +2 None defined
> 18y -2 to +3
HCO3 Venous mmol/L 0-30D      20.0-26.0 None defined
31D-17y  22.0-28.0
> 18y 23.0-28.0
 

  


Clinical Significance



 
Analyte Some causes of increased values Some causes of decreased values
pH Exposing the sample to air Prolonged tourniquet application and forearm exercise
PCO2 Airway obstruction, sedatives, anesthetics, respiratory distress syndrome, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Hypoxia due to chronic heart failure, edema and neurologic disorders and mechanical hyperventilation
PO2   Airway obstruction, trauma to the brain, bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary edema, and congenital defects in the heart




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.