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Ency. home > Test > B > Blood gases

Blood gases   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Arterial blood gas analysis; Arterial blood gas; ABG

Normal Values

Values at sea level:

  • Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) - 75 to 100 mm Hg
  • Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) - 35 to 45 mm Hg
  • A pH of  7.35 to 7.45
  • Oxygen saturation (SaO2) - 94% to 100%
  • Bicarbonate - (HCO3) - 22 to 26 mEq/liter
Note: mEq/liter = milliequivalents per liter; mm Hg = millimeters of mercury

At altitudes of 3,000 feet and above, the values for oxygen are lower.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may indicate respiratory, metabolic, or renal diseases. Results may also be abnormal in trauma, particularly with head or neck injuries that may affect breathing.

Ency. home > Test > B > Blood gases

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