Resp Care
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Arterial blood sampling is subject to numerous pre-analytical errors, one of which is inadvertent venous blood sampling. Especially when assessing oxygenation and titrating ventilation, accidental venous blood sampling may lead to inappropriate respiratory care and repeated percutaneous punctures. ⋯ Lower blood pressure increased the sampler filling time. Measuring the filling time may enable therapists to confirm successful arterial puncture in adult patients. Confirming successful arterial puncture prior to blood analysis would expedite appropriate patient care decisions.