| Test | Conventional | SI | Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arterial pH | 7.35-7.45 pH units | 7.35-7.45 pH units | < 7.20 or > 7.60 |
| Base Excess | -2-2 mEq/L | -2-2 mmol/L | - |
| HCO₃⁻ (Arterial Bicarbonate) | 22-26 mEq/L | 22-26 mmol/L | < 15 or > 40 mEq/L |
| PaCO₂ (Arterial CO₂) | 35-45 mm Hg | 4.7-6 kPa | < 20 or > 60 mm Hg |
| PaO₂ (Arterial O₂) | 80-100 mm Hg | 10.6-13.3 kPa | < 40 mm Hg (severe hypoxemia) |
| SaO₂ (Arterial Oxygen Saturation) | 95-100 % | 0.95-1 fraction | < 90% (hypoxemia) |
Panel
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
pH, PaCO₂, PaO₂, bicarbonate, and saturation for acid-base and oxygenation. 6 tests, 5 with a taught threshold.
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Frequently asked questions
What tests are in a Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)?
The Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) on this page lists 6 tests: Arterial pH, Base Excess, HCO₃⁻ (Arterial Bicarbonate), PaCO₂ (Arterial CO₂), PaO₂ (Arterial O₂), SaO₂ (Arterial Oxygen Saturation). Each is shown with its conventional and SI teaching reference range.
What does the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) check for?
pH, PaCO₂, PaO₂, bicarbonate, and saturation for acid-base and oxygenation. These are educational teaching values - ranges vary by laboratory and method, and are not for clinical decisions.
Which Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) values are critical?
5 of the 6 tests in this Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) carry a taught threshold: Arterial pH (< 7.20 or > 7.60); HCO₃⁻ (Arterial Bicarbonate) (< 15 or > 40 mEq/L); PaCO₂ (Arterial CO₂) (< 20 or > 60 mm Hg); PaO₂ (Arterial O₂) (< 40 mm Hg (severe hypoxemia)); SaO₂ (Arterial Oxygen Saturation) (< 90% (hypoxemia)). These are teaching thresholds, not clinical cutoffs - always use the values your laboratory reports.