EFFECT OF TIME ON THE ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS ANALYSIS

Abstract

The present study was done to find out whether there is any change occurring during delay in ABG analysis. In our study we first took baseline reading and from the remaining blood sample, stored at room temperature, repeat analysis were done from it after 30minute, 60 minute and after 90 minute and the change in result is compared with the baseline result. In our study if the sample is stored for more than 30 minutes at room temperature  there is no significant changes occurs in pH, PCO₂, but there is significant change in the PO₂. The value of PO₂ increase 20.23 mmHg if the sample is stored for more than 30 minutes at room temperature. In our study although the changes in pH, PCO₂ are statistically greater in sample kept at room temperature, those changes do not appear to have major clinical significance until the time of analysis after arterial puncture exceeds 90 minutes. The PCO₂ remained very stable with the different sampling methods. In our study there is no significance change found in Hco₃^- and O₂sat if sample is stored for more than 30 minutes at room temperature.

Keywords: ABG analysis; PCO₂ ; pH; Arterial puncture; ABG analyzer