Arterial Blood Gases Test
500 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
pH, pO2, and pCO2 Test, ABG
Purpose
The Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) Test measures the levels of oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of arterial blood. It evaluates the acid-base balance and how well the lungs and kidneys are managing oxygenation, ventilation, and pH regulation.
This test is crucial in diagnosing and monitoring patients with respiratory, metabolic, and kidney-related conditions. In particular, it plays a key role in evaluating how well the lungs and kidneys maintain the body’s acid-base balance. It helps assess conditions such as respiratory failure, metabolic acidosis, or alkalosis, and the effectiveness of oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation.
For a full diagnostic picture, an ABG test can be performed alongside an electrolyte panel, lactate test, complete blood count (CBC), pulse oximetry, and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) test.
Patient Preparation
No special preparation is required.
Samples
5ml with a minimum volume of 1ml of random urine collected in a plastic urine container without preservatives. Freshly void the random urine. Store the sample at room temperature.
Reference Range
Newborns: 5.0-7.0, thereafter, 4.5-8.0
Results Turnaround
3-4 days after receipt of samples.
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
The ABG test results provide key insights into the body’s acid-base status and oxygenation:
- Respiratory Acidosis occurs when carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels are elevated, often due to lung conditions such as emphysema, COPD, or hypoventilation. This leads to a lower blood pH (more acidic).
- Respiratory Alkalosis results from low CO₂ levels, often due to hyperventilation, pain, anxiety, or fever. It causes the blood pH to rise (more alkaline).
- Metabolic acidosis occurs when bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) and pH drop, commonly due to diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, diarrhea, or lactic acidosis.
- Metabolic alkalosis presents when bicarbonate levels and pH rise, often due to vomiting, using diuretics, or consuming excessive antacids.
Overall, ABG results help pinpoint whether an acid-base imbalance originates from respiratory or metabolic causes and guide appropriate clinical intervention.
For more an Arterial Blood Gases Test, read this study.