Arterial blood gas analysis; ABG

Values at sea level:

• Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) - 75 - 100 mmHg
• Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) - 38 - 42 mmHg
• Arterial blood pH of 7.38 - 7.42
• Oxygen saturation (SaO2) - 94 - 100%
• Bicarbonate - (HCO3) - 22 - 28 mEq/L

Note: mEq/L = milliequivalents per liter; mmHg = millimeters of mercury

At altitudes of 3,000 feet and above, the oxygen values are lower.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Abnormal results may be due to lung, kidney, or metabolic diseases. Head or neck injuries or other injuries that affect breathing can also lead to abnormal results.

Images

Blood gases test

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Review Date: 08/13/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)