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Test Code BGCAP or LAB2117 Blood Gas, Capillary

Important Note

Blood gas specimens are stable for 30 minutes at room temperature. Send specimens promptly to the lab for testing.

Profile Information

Test ID  

Reporting Name

Available Separately

Always Performed

TEMP*

Temperature

 N Y

FIO2*

Inspired O2

 N Y

PH

pH Arterial

 N Y

PCO2

pCO2

 N Y

PO2

pO2

 N Y

HCO3

HCO3

 N Y

*Captured during specimen collection. 

Specimen Requirements

Container Type:

Heparinized capillary tube, whole blood

 

 
Optimal Collection Volume: 

1 capillary tube
Minimum Volume:

1 capillary tube
Collection Instructions:
  1. Pre-warm the patient's heel by placing a towel soaked in warm water for 10-15 minutes before collecting the specimen.
  2. Remove the towel just before specimen collection.
  3. Once the specimen is collected, send it promptly to the lab.
Specimen Transport:

Refrigerate
Processing Instructions: 
  1. Bring the specimen directly to chemistry and place it in the ice bin.
  2. Keep the specimen on ice until it is ready for testing.

Specimen Stability

Assay as soon as possible. 30 minutes at room temperature.

Specimen Rejection Criteria

Quantity not sufficient

Useful For

Evaluating acid-base status

 

Evaluating disturbances in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and/or oxygen in the blood

Methodology

Radiometer ABL 800 systems

  • pH and pCO2 - Potentiometric
  • pO2 - Amperometric
  • HCO3 - Calculated result

Reference Ranges

 Test ID  

Reference Range and Reporting Units

PH

7.35-7.45

PCO2

35-45 mm[Hg]

PO2

80-90 mm[Hg]

HCO3

21-28 mmol/L

* Please click the Bronson Critical Values link to view Critical Values

Day(s) Performed

24/7

Expected TAT

Same day

Performing Laboratory

Bronson Laboratory, Chemistry - Kalamazoo, Paw Paw, South Haven

Bronson Respiratory - Battle Creek

Sample Retention Time

Samples are discarded once per shift (every 8 hours)

CPT Code

82803