ABL800 FLEX Operator's Manual 12. Sampling
Preparation prior to arterial/venous sampling
Sample types
The recommendations and considerations for the sample type are as follows:
Sample type Recommendations and considerations
Arterial The most preferred and recommended type of blood for
pH/blood gas analysis.
•
Gives the best information about oxygen uptake in the lungs
and oxygen transport
•
Information is basically the same regardless of the sampling
site
Venous Not generally recommended for blood gas analysis.
•
Affected by peripheral circulatory efficiency and cellular
metabolic needs
•
Should not be used to evaluate oxygen status
Can be used to reflect acid-base status (pH, pCO
2
,
cBase(Ecf)), ctHb, FCOHb, FMetHb, FHbF and ctBil
•
Arterial and
venous sampling
sites
The recommendations and considerations for selecting a sampling site are as
follows:
Sample Site Advantages/disadvantages
Arterial Radial
artery
• Good collateral circulation
• Easy access
Prior to sampling from the radial artery, perform a
Modified Allen’s Test to confirm adequate
collateral circulation.
Brachial
artery
• Difficult to puncture due to location
• Greater risk of damage to surrounding structures
Femoral
artery
• Large and easy to puncture
• Poor collateral circulation
• Should be avoided on newborns and elderly
Arterial line Remove the flush solutions used in A-lines
completely from the system to avoid dilution of the
blood sample. It is recommended to withdraw a
volume equal to three to six times the “dead space”
of the catheter.
Venous Brachial
vein
Convenient site.
For sampling on venous blood, use the standard
procedure of your institution.
Continued on next page
12-5