arterial blood gas

arterial blood gas

n.

The concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, whose partial pressures are measured along with other factors such as blood pH in order to assess oxygen saturation and other metabolic indicators in patients, especially those with respiratory disorders.

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arterial blood gas

Critical care Analysis of arterial blood for O₂, CO₂, bicarbonate content, and pH, which reflects the functional effectiveness of lung function and to monitor respiratory therapy Ref range pO₂, 75-100 mm Hg; pCO₂, 35-45 mm Hg; pH: 7.35-7.42, O₂ content: 15-23%; O₂ saturation, 94-100%; HCO₃^–, 22-26 mEq/L. See Metabolic acidosis, Metabolic alkalosis, Respiratory acidosis, Respiratory alkalosis.

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.