Name of the Procedure:

Blood Gas Analysis (pH only)

Summary

Blood gas analysis (pH only) is a diagnostic test that measures the acidity or alkalinity (pH) of your blood. It helps assess how well your lungs are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood.

Purpose

This test is used to evaluate the acid-base balance in your blood, which is crucial for proper cellular function and metabolism. It helps diagnose respiratory, metabolic, and kidney issues by indicating if your body is maintaining its pH balance.

Indications

• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained fatigue
• Chronic lung conditions like COPD or asthma
• Kidney disease
• Metabolic disorders
• Complications from diabetes

Preparation

• No specific fasting or dietary restrictions required.
• Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking as some drugs can affect test results.
• You may need to stop certain medications temporarily.

Procedure Description

1. A sample of arterial blood is drawn, usually from the radial artery in your wrist.
2. The skin in the area is cleaned with an antiseptic.
3. A needle is inserted into the artery to collect a small amount of blood.
4. The blood sample is quickly placed in a sealed, sterile tube and sent to the lab for analysis.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or doctor's office.

Personnel

• Nurse
• Laboratory technician
• Occasionally a doctor

Risks and Complications

• Mild to moderate pain or discomfort at the puncture site
• Bruising or bleeding
• Rarely, infection at the puncture site
• Extremely rare complications like arterial damage or clot formation

Benefits

• Provides critical information on your body's acid-base balance and respiratory function.
• Helps in diagnosing and managing respiratory, metabolic, and renal conditions.
• Immediate results can lead to prompt treatment decisions.

Recovery

• Minimal recovery time; you can usually resume normal activities immediately.
• Keep the puncture site clean and dry.
• Apply pressure if there is any minor bleeding or bruising.

Alternatives

• Venous blood gas analysis
• Capillary blood gas analysis
• Non-invasive oxygen and CO2 monitoring
• Each alternative has different benefits and accuracy levels in assessing blood gases.

Patient Experience

• You might experience brief discomfort or pain during the blood draw.
• Some patients report a slight throbbing or tenderness at the site afterward.
• Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication if necessary.