blóðgasmæling

Blóðgasmæling, also known as arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, is a diagnostic test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as the blood's acidity (pH). This test is performed on an arterial blood sample, which is typically drawn from an artery in the wrist, arm, or groin. The arterial blood is used because it provides a more accurate reflection of the body's oxygenation and ventilation status compared to venous blood.

The primary purpose of blóðgasmæling is to assess a patient's respiratory and metabolic status. It helps healthcare professionals determine how well the lungs are oxygenating the blood and eliminating carbon dioxide, and it can also provide insights into the body's acid-base balance. Abnormal results can indicate a variety of conditions, including respiratory failure, metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, and certain lung diseases like pneumonia or COPD.

In addition to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH, blóðgasmæling also measures bicarbonate levels, which are important for understanding metabolic acid-base disturbances. The test is crucial in critical care settings for monitoring patients with severe illness, those on mechanical ventilation, or individuals with acute respiratory distress. The interpretation of blóðgasmæling results requires careful consideration of the patient's clinical presentation and other laboratory findings to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and guide treatment.