• Robert Thurnheer.
• Ambulante Medizinische Diagnostik, Klinik für Innere Medizin, Kantonsspital Münsterlingen. robert.thurnheer@stgag.ch
• Ther Umsch. 2013 Aug 1; 70 (8): 473-9.

AbstractThe arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA) is a valuable diagnostic tool in daily clinical practice. It yields information about oxygenation, ventilation and acid-base status. ABGAs should always be interpreted within a clinical context. If a result is absolutely not compatible with a clinical situation, the probe should be repeated or prompt further differential diagnoses. A probe should be free of air bubbles and be rapidly proceeded in the laboratory. Body temperature and fraction of inspired oxygen are mandatory prerequisites for adequate interpretation. With CO-oximetry, not only oxygenated hemoglobin but also carboxihemoglobin and met-hemoglobin content can be measured in the case of a suspected intoxication. For the assessment of ventilation, PaCO2 must be interpreted in the context of PaO2, as already a "normal value" of PaCO2 may indicate severe ventilator failure in a patient with hypoxemia. A normal pH does not exclude acid-base disorders, PaCO2 and bicarbonate must also be taken into account. When FIO2 is changed, steady state conditions must be awaited before a next control especially in the case of ventilation-perfusion mismatch, e. g. in COPD, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism. In a hypoxic state, immediate application of oxygen is warranted, in hypercapnia, ventilation should be increased. In acid-base disorders, treatment of the underlying disease is most often conducive.

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