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