- HistoryHx
- ExaminationO/E
- InvestigationsIx
- Drug GuideRx
- Full List
- Anthropometry
- Cardiovascular
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- Neurological
- Biochemistry
- Haematology
- Critical Care
- Trauma
- Obstetrics
Arterial Blood Gases
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Blood Gas InterpretationUse
Equipment & Preparation
Identifying an Artery
How To Perform
- Identify that this is the correct patient
- Explain the procedure and ask for patient's consent
- Positioning
Raise the bed to waist level
- Wash hands and don gloves
- Prepare the Site
Decontaminate with alcohol swab, allow to air dry
- Inject 1% lignocaine if appropriate
- Identify the Artery
Palpate for a pulse proximal to desired collection site
- Prepare the patient for a ‘very sharp scratch'
- Insert the Needle
Bevel up, ~45 degrees from skin, until flashback is seen
- Collect Blood
Allow the syringe to self-fill
- Remove the Needle
Apply gentle pressure to the area using gauze or cotton ball for at least five minutes
- Prepare the Sample
Remove the needle, cap the syringe, gently invert
- Clean Up
Dispose of sharps and other waste
- Remove gloves and wash hands
- Processing
Label the syringe and send to the lab