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Blood gases - Results

Alternative Names

Arterial blood gas analysis; ABG

Normal Values:

Values at sea level:

Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) - 75 - 100 mmHg
Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) - 35 - 45 mmHg
A pH of 7.35 - 7.45
Oxygen saturation (SaO2) - 94 - 100%
Bicarbonate - (HCO3) - 22 - 26 mEq/L

Note: mEq/L = milliequivalents per liter; mmHg = millimeters of mercury

At altitudes of 3,000 feet and above, the oxygen values are lower.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal results may be due to lung, kidney, or metabolic diseases. Head or neck injuries or other injuries that affect breathing can also lead to abnormal results.

Blood gases test

Reviewed last on: 8/10/2008
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Gold WG. Pulmonary function testing. In: Mason RJ, Murray J, VC Broaddus, Nadel J, eds. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005:chap 24.

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