Radial Arterial Blood Gas

An arterial blood gas is performed to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, as well as the acid-base balance in the arterial circulation. The radial artery site is commonly used to obtain a sample, as it is superficial and easily accessible. The accurate determination of blood gas and acid base status is an extremely important procedure in the clinical management of patients, and must be performed correctly to minimise erroneous results. These measurements give us vital information concerning the partial pressure of oxygen being supplied to tissues; the level of alveolar ventilation; the efficiency of gas exchange and the general metabolic state of the body. This can help us to determine the severity of a condition and monitor the progress of treatments, such as the provision of supplemental oxygen.

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