VBG

Blood Gases, Venous Blood

EPIC Test Procedure Code: LAB2525

Performing Lab:
Saint Luke's Regional Laboratories
Container Type:
Lithium heparin blood gas syringe
Specimen Type:

Whole blood

Preferred Volume:
6 mL
Minimum Volume:
1 mL
Collection Procedure:

1. The specimen must arrive within 1 hour of collection. Ensure that no air bubbles are in the syringe after drawing the specimen.
2. If there is a delay in shipment > 30 minutes, the syringe must immediately be placed on wet ice and transported to the laboratory.

Store and Transport:
Room temperature
CPT Codes:

82803 - Venous Blood Gas (EAP 30044420)

Test Schedule:
Monday through Sunday
Test Includes:
pO2, PCO2, pH, HCO3, and base excess.
Reference Ranges:

PO2:

37 - 43

mmHg

PCO2:

40 - 45

mmHg

pH:

7.36 - 7.41

Critical values:

< 7.20 or > 7.60

HCO3:

22 - 29

mEq/L

BASE EXCESS:

± 3

mEq/L

Lab Personnel

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