The Analysis of Blood Gases

Abstract

Under some circumstances, such as in ICUs or emergency rooms, it may be convenient to sample venous blood gases (VBGs). Peripheral blood gases can be sampled by standard venipuncture; central venous blood gases through central venous catheters; and mixed venous blood gases through the distal port of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC). The latter are convenient to assess in a patient who has already had a PAC inserted. Central and mixed venous gases more closely reflect arterial gas measurements than do peripheral venous gases.