Blood Studies I: ABG and VBG

Arterial Blood Gas, or ABG, studies are vital for assessing lung function in oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal, reflecting ventilation status.

It also helps understand kidney function through bicarbonate ion reabsorption or excretion, indicating metabolic status.

Before collecting the sample, nurses must verify whether the patient is undergoing oxygen therapy and avoid changing oxygen therapy settings or suctioning for twenty minutes before collection.

ABG samples are obtained by puncturing the radial, brachial, or femoral artery or using an indwelling arterial catheter.

Conversely, Venous Blood Gas, or VBG, studies assess oxygen delivery and consumption levels, indicating the balance between oxygen used by tissues and oxygen returned to the heart.

A mixed-venous oxygen saturation blood sample is obtained from a pulmonary artery catheter, while a central-venous oxygen saturation blood sample is drawn from a central venous catheter.

To collect ABG and VBG, use a heparinized syringe, remove air bubbles, and store them in ice containers to prevent clotting.

Press the collection site for 5 minutes to avoid hematoma.