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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postalrick | @postalrick | Apr 2, 2019

In reply to @jakedduck1 "@tiss Yippee hooray!!!!! I’m so glad to hear that. I was prepared to refuse another one..." + (show)

Just had one 2 weeks ago - totally painless except for the normal needle stick.

tiss | @tiss | Apr 6, 2019

I got my results. The carbon dioxide levels are in normal range but the oxygen levels are too high. So something is out of balance. Haven't seen the pulmo yet for an explanation. Except her nurse said the dr isnt worried about it.

alamogal635 | @alamogal635 | Apr 6, 2019

In reply to @tiss "I got my results. The carbon dioxide levels are in normal range but the oxygen levels..." + (show)

@tiss Will be interesting find out what is causing the high oxygen levels. That the pulmonologist isn't worried as reported by her nurse is a good sign. Keep us posted

tiss | @tiss | Apr 6, 2019

In reply to @alamogal635 "@tiss Will be interesting find out what is causing the high oxygen levels. That the pulmonologist..." + (show)

I don't know what to think. Dr is trying to figure out reason for intermittent hypoxia. My ct scan, pulmonary function tests were normal. Pulmo said overnight oximentary was normal but sleep drs said there were some irregularities. So next I'm having a sleep study done and a stress test that measures heart and lung function while exercising. C02 has 02 were a little off balance with ABG. Chest X-rays show hyperinflation but it didn't show test on the ct scan. Ct scan did show some coronary and pulmonary calcifications but I'm not sure what that indicates yet. This happened 3 years ago and I had a bunch of tests run and they never figured it out.

kegishla | @kegishla | Feb 4, 2023

How do I find a place that will numb the area before the stick? I live in Chattanooga, tn and so far have found no doctor, hospital that will numb. I've had one ABG without numbing and would refuse another. I do have lung issues and know a ABG will be brought up .

kegishla | @kegishla | Feb 4, 2023

Without numbing, it's the stuff nightmares are made of. I had one sans numbing. It took three sticks! It's been years and I've vowed I'll never have another without numbing even though I have lung issues. Have found no one in my area (Chattanooga, TN) who does numbing for ABG.