Hospital Virtual Tour

Blood gases - Risks

Alternative Names

Arterial blood gas analysis; ABG

What the risks are:

There is very little risk when the procedure is done correctly. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with this test may include:

Bleeding at the puncture site
Blood flow problems at puncture site (rare)
Bruising at the puncture site
Delayed bleeding at the puncture site
Fainting or feeling light-headed
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Special considerations:

Tell your health care provider if you notice bleeding, bruising, numbness, tingling, or discoloration at the puncture site. Also let your doctor know if you are taking any blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) or aspirin.

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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