The Venous Blood Gases Lab Test is a medical analytical test that helps evaluate the rate of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, respiratory function generally and during hypoxia (decreased oxygen levels), and acid/base balance.
It is also useful in assessing patients for asthma (breathing disorder), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (lung disease), embolism (clot blocking blood vessels), and other types of lung diseases.
During the blood gas test, a sample of blood is drawn from the vein and evaluated for the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide present.
- What are the risks associated with this test?
There are no significant risks associated with this test, except for mild redness, pain, and irritation at the injection site. However, if you experience any severe reactions, please contact your doctor immediately.
- Are elevated blood gas levels fatal?
Elevated blood gases are usually not fatal. However, it is imperative that you consult a doctor and follow the prescribed medicine routine for effective control of the signs and symptoms of disease.
- What is a normal venous oxygen and carbon-dioxide blood gas ratio?
The normal oxygen and carbon-dioxide venous blood gas ration is 4.0-5.0 kPa and 5.5-6.8 kPa.
- Are venous blood gases measurements accurate?
When performed correctly, the accuracy of the results is 90%.
- What is the difference between arterial and venous blood gases?
The blood gas values found in the arterial blood are slightly different than venous blood gas levels. The arterial blood gas values levels are generally tougher to obtain while the venous blood gas values are relatively easier to obtain.
- Normal arterial blood pH: 7.35-7.45
Normal venous blood pH: 7.31-7.41
- Partial pressure of arterial carbon-dioxide: 4.7-6.0 kPa
Partial pressure of venous carbon-dioxide: 5.5-6.8 kPa
- Partial pressure of arterial oxygen: 10.6-13.3 kPa
Partial pressure of venous oxygen: 4.0-5.0 kPa
Some abnormal conditions reactions are mild, whilst others are serious and can have dire consequences. Getting tested is necessary for ruling out the causes of any abnormalities, which may be resolved within a few hours or, in some serious cases, last for years and require life-long treatment.
Getting tested is essential for the following reasons:
- Helps evaluate any breathing disorders
- Helps you and your doctor diagnose various allergies, infections, auto-immune disorders, cancers, metabolic disorders, anemia, etc.
- Regular check-up
- Diagnose conditions before they progress and prove to be fatal
- Plan treatment and evaluate the effectiveness of given therapy
