ABSTRACT
Arterial blood gas analysis provides valuable information about acid/base balance, and respiratory and metabolic function. Analysers provide additional useful information about various metabolites and electrolytes. Therefore arterial blood gas sampling and analysis is a core skill for ICU staff. Analysers and ‘normal ranges’ vary between units, so using sample printouts from your unit may be helpful. The UK measures gases in kilopascals (kPa) – the Système Internationale (SI) unit. The USA uses mmHg: 1 kPa is 7.4 mmHg.
