Blood gas is a test used to calculate the bicarbonate value and oxygen saturation by measuring the partial pressures of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as the blood pH, thus determining whether the patient has hypoxemia, acidosis or alkalosis. This test measures how well the body uses oxygen and gets rid of carbon dioxide.
Blood gas analysis provides healthcare professionals with information on the respiratory and metabolic status of their critically ill patients, with measurements of pH, carbon dioxide (pCO2) and oxygen (pO2), as well as measurements of electrolytes, lactate and hemoglobin.
