Lec 11_Arterial Blood Collection

• Oxygenated blood found throughout circulation
• Venous blood is deoxygenated blood
• Arterial blood is oxygenated, from the lungs, has a bright red color, and uniform composition
• Venous blood is deoxygenated, from the circulation, has a dark red color and varied composition
• Venous blood has varied composition because it already absorbed the carbon dioxide in the body
• Arterial blood collection is:

  • more uncomfortable
  • dangerous and difficult to perform
  • requires specialized training
  • primarily tested for blood gases
• Arterial Blood Gases - measures the ability of the lungs to provide oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide from the heart
• ABG measures:

  • pH
  • PO2
  • PCO2