What is the arterialization temperature used in the procedure?

• A. 40°C
• B. 41°C
• C. 42°C
• D. 43°C

Answer: (C)

Arterialization of capillary blood for gas analysis is done by warming the puncture site to a temperature that increases arteriolar blood flow and makes capillary blood resemble arterial blood in its gas values. The target temperature used is about 42°C. Heating to this level enhances arterial characteristics without risking tissue injury; temperatures lower than this may not fully arterialize the blood, while higher temperatures can cause burns. So, 42°C is the standard arterialization temperature.