ABGtutkimukseen

ABGtutkimus, which stands for Arterial Blood Gas analysis, is a laboratory test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as the blood's pH. This test is crucial for evaluating a person's respiratory and metabolic status. It provides vital information about how well the lungs are oxygenating the blood and how effectively the body is maintaining its acid-base balance.

The procedure involves drawing a small sample of blood directly from an artery, typically in the wrist (radial artery), arm (brachial artery), or groin (femoral artery). This arterial blood is then analyzed by a blood gas analyzer. The results include partial pressures of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2), pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), and oxygen saturation.

ABGtutkimus is commonly used in critical care settings to monitor patients with respiratory failure, severe illness, or those undergoing major surgery. It helps diagnose and manage conditions such as pneumonia, asthma exacerbations, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney failure, and diabetic ketoacidosis. The information obtained from an ABG can guide treatment decisions, including the need for oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, or medications to correct acid-base imbalances. While generally safe, the procedure carries minor risks such as bleeding or bruising at the puncture site.