What does ABG mean in MEDICAL

An arterial blood gas (ABG) is a lab test that measures the acidity (pH) and levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood from an artery. The results are used to determine how well your lungs are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the body.

An ABG is a quick and simple procedure that requires only a small amount of blood from an artery. A healthcare provider or laboratory technician will take a sample of blood, typically from an artery in the wrist, and then send it to a lab for testing.

An ABG test can be used to help diagnose and monitor several conditions, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma, pneumonia, heart failure, stroke or sepsis. It can also be used to evaluate how well your lungs are functioning after surgery or with certain other treatments.

Generally speaking, there are few risks involved with having an ABG test as it requires only a small amount of blood from an artery. However there may be some discomfort at the site where the needle was inserted for taking a sample. In addition if you have any clotting disorders or medical conditions affecting your circulatory system this may increase your risk for complications when having this type of test done.

During the test you will feel a brief pinch when the needle is inserted to draw your blood sample which will then be sent off for testing. Once this has been done you may experience some soreness at the site where the needle was inserted but this should go away rather quickly. You can also expect a wait time before receiving results as it usually takes several days to receive them back from the lab.

Your results will measure values like pH level, oxygen level, carbon dioxide level and bicarbonate levels in comparison to what would be considered “normal” ranges. Your healthcare provider can explain in more detail what your specific results mean so make sure you ask any questions you have about them before leaving his/her office.

If your results indicate abnormal values then further testing or treatment may need to be done depending on what condition(s) were being tested for initially. Your healthcare provider will discuss treatment options with you based on specific findings in order for proper care plan decisions to be made.

Unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider there really isn’t much that needs to be done prior having this type of lab test performed as it only requires a very small amount of blood from one location on your body for sampling purposes.