good evening steemians on this occasion I would like to explain about How to Easily Read Blood Gas Analysis
Health workers often find it difficult to read the results of blood gas analysis (BGA). Errors in interpreting it often lead to misdiagnosis. Here are some easy ways to read BGA results:
1.SEE pH
The first step is to look at the pH. normal pH of blood between 7.35 - 7.45. If a blood pH below 7.35 means acidosis, and if above 7.45 means alkalosis
- item2.See CO2
The second step is to see pCO2 levels. Normal pCO2 level is 35-45 mmHg. Below 35 is an alkalosis, above 45 acidosis.
- item3. See HCO3
The third step is to look at HCO3 levels. Normal levels of HCO3 are 22-26 mEq / L. Under 22 is acidosis, and above 26 alkalosis.
- item4. Compare CO2 or HCO3 with pH
The next step is to compare the levels of pCO2 or HCO3 with pH to determine the type of acid abnormality. For example, if the pH of acidosis and CO2 acidosis, the disorder is caused by the respiratory system, so it is called respiratory acidosis. Another example if the pH alkalosis and HCO3 alkalosis, the abnormal acid abnormalities caused by the metabolic system so-called metabolic alkalosis.
- item5.Is CO2 or HCO3 opposite to pH
The fifth step is to see whether pCO2 or HCO3 levels are in opposite direction with pH. If there is an opposite, then there is compensation from one of the respiratory or metabolic systems. For example, if the pH of acidosis, CO2 acidosis and HCO3 alkalosis, CO2 fits with pH so that the primary abnormality is respiratory acidosis. While HCO3 opposite to pH indicates the compensation of the metabolic system.
- item6. See pO2 and O2 saturation
The last step is to see the levels of PaO2 and O2 sat. If below normal then indicates the occurrence of hypoxemia.
To make it easier to remember which one is pH and what is the opposite, then we can use the ROME acronym.
Respiratory Opposite: PCO2 above normal means lower pH (acidosis) and vice versa.
Metabolic Equal: HCO3 above normal means higher pH (alkalosis) and vice versa.
