Blodgassnivåer

Blodgassnivåer, often referred to as arterial blood gas (ABG) levels, measure the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as its acidity or pH. This test is crucial for evaluating a person's respiratory and metabolic status. The primary components measured are partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), and oxygen saturation (SaO2).

Normal PaO2 levels typically range from 80 to 100 mmHg, indicating how well oxygen is being transferred from the lungs to the bloodstream. PaCO2 levels normally fall between 35 and 45 mmHg, reflecting how effectively carbon dioxide is being removed from the body. The pH of blood is tightly regulated and usually sits between 7.35 and 7.45, with deviations indicating acidosis (lower pH) or alkalosis (higher pH). Bicarbonate is an important buffer in the blood, and its levels are assessed in conjunction with other ABG values to understand the body's acid-base balance.

Abnormal blood gas levels can point to a variety of conditions. Low PaO2 can suggest lung disease, pneumonia, or a problem with oxygen delivery. High PaCO2 might indicate inadequate breathing or impaired gas exchange. Significant deviations in pH, along with abnormal bicarbonate levels, can signal respiratory or metabolic imbalances, such as respiratory acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, or metabolic alkalosis. ABG analysis is a vital tool for diagnosing and managing critical illnesses, particularly those affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.