1. < Lung Health

Arterial Blood Gas Test: What is it like?

Posted by tiss @tiss, Apr 1, 2019

I'm undergoing several tests to find the reason for my intermittent hypoxia. I have to get an ABG tomorrow. I'm very nervous. Is it as bad as some of the stuff I'm reading online?

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Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Apr 2, 2019
In reply to @tiss "I'm going in a few hours so I'll let you all know. I will asking for..." + (show)
@tiss

I'm going in a few hours so I'll let you all know. I will asking for a numbing agent if they don't offer it upfront. I am getting several tests done to find out why I have intermittent hypoxia. Thank you to everyone who responded. I hope I don't have a horror story to tell.

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We are with you in spirit today.

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ladybirder | @ladybirder | Apr 2, 2019

If I had to have arterial gas done again, it wouldn’t bother me at all. I was warned it might be painful the first time so all I remember is my surprise when there was nothing to it. The second time, I thought there might be pain. But again - no pain! Nothing to it. That is my honest experience. It only takes a moment anyway.

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annhd1420 | @annhd1420 | Apr 2, 2019

It totally depends on your phlebotomist - it runs from painful to a breeze. Some are true artists.

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Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Apr 2, 2019
In reply to @clipper "Its odd I wonder why they don't offer it all the time. My was done by..." + (show)
@clipper

Its odd I wonder why they don't offer it all the time. My was done by a respiratory therapist and it was done in a pulmonary lab, maybe that had something to do with it.

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Interesting question! I asked the same question during multiple occasions with IV's being inserted. The reply was that the needle prick for the numbing med was just as uncomfortable as the IV insertion. - My experience is that it depends on the skill of the phlebotomist as to the discomfort.

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1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 2, 2019

@rosemarya- That's BS for IV's anyway and I'm with you, it depends on who gives it!

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 2, 2019
In reply to @tiss "I'm going in a few hours so I'll let you all know. I will asking for..." + (show)
@tiss

I'm going in a few hours so I'll let you all know. I will asking for a numbing agent if they don't offer it upfront. I am getting several tests done to find out why I have intermittent hypoxia. Thank you to everyone who responded. I hope I don't have a horror story to tell.

Jump to this post

@tiss- It's not so hurtful that it's a horror show. You will be fine. The artery snaps back after the needle is withdrawn. Keep rubbing it, it will feel better.

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tiss | @tiss | Apr 2, 2019

Ok so i lived through it! Honestly, I’ve had venous sticks far worse than this. I just relaxed and breathed and in 4 seconds it was done. Also had a good phlebotomist!

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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Apr 2, 2019

@tiss
Yippee hooray!!!!!
I’m so glad to hear that. I was prepared to refuse another one if it ever came up.
Jake

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1 reply
bb729 | @bb729 | Apr 2, 2019
In reply to @rosemarya "Interesting question! I asked the same question during multiple occasions with IV's being inserted. The reply..." + (show)
@rosemarya

Interesting question! I asked the same question during multiple occasions with IV's being inserted. The reply was that the needle prick for the numbing med was just as uncomfortable as the IV insertion. - My experience is that it depends on the skill of the phlebotomist as to the discomfort.

Jump to this post

Had a few done and it does depend who does it. Had one I thought I was going to die and almost pulled the needle out of me and her hand and 3 others that I didn't know they were doing it. I do have a tolerance for pain so the first made me want to never have another. Which I found out I was foolish.

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