Which ABG handling practice is recommended?

• A. Anaerobic collection
• B. Kept on ice
• C. Analyzed within 15 minutes of collection
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

ABG results are extremely time-sensitive and reflect the patient’s current acid-base and gas status, so preserving the sample from post-collection changes is essential. Collecting the blood anaerobically minimizes gas exchange with room air, preventing artificial shifts in pH and CO2 that would occur if air contacted the sample. Keeping the sample on ice slows cellular metabolism in the blood, reducing ongoing production or consumption of CO2, lactate, and bicarbonate, which helps keep pH and gas tensions closer to the in vivo values. Analyzing the sample promptly—ideally within about 15 minutes of collection—further limits drift caused by ongoing metabolic processes and gas diffusion. When each of these practices is followed, the ABG values remain as accurate as possible, so doing all of them together is recommended.