Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) Test
Care Before the Procedure
- No special preparation is usually required.
- Inform your doctor if you are taking blood thinners or have bleeding disorders.
- Relax the arm to facilitate easier blood draw.
- Remove tight clothing from the wrist area for access.
Care During the Procedure
- The skin over the artery is cleaned with antiseptic.
- A small needle is inserted into the artery, and a small blood sample is taken.
- Firm pressure is applied after the draw to prevent bleeding or bruising.
- The procedure usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Care After the Procedure
- Keep pressure on the site for 5–10 minutes to prevent bleeding.
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity with that arm for a few hours.
- Minor bruising or tenderness may occur, which is normal.
- Report persistent pain, swelling, or bleeding at the puncture site.
Eligibility
- Patients with shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Critically ill patients in ICU or on ventilators.
- Suspected respiratory or metabolic disorders (e.g., COPD, asthma, kidney disease).
- Monitoring oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation.
- Detecting acid-base imbalances in conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis.
- No special preparation is usually required.
- Inform your doctor if you are taking blood thinners or have bleeding disorders.
- Relax the arm to facilitate easier blood draw.
- Remove tight clothing from the wrist area for access.
Featured Specialities
Our Speciality Services
Internal Medicine
Our Internal Medicine service offers both primary and specialist consultative care for adults with acute illnesses, chronic conditions and complex multisystem problems. With physicians who manage long-term diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and respiratory conditions, while also treating infections, injuries and musculoskeletal concerns. We offer consultant-led inpatient care through a dedicated hospitalist service and an Acute Medicine Unit with 24-hour doctor and nurse coverage, supported by round-the-clock diagnostics (radiology, pathology and microbiology). Advanced treatments include non-invasive ventilation, high-flow nasal oxygen, plasmapheresis and coordinated plasma therapies, together with integrated physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Our team works closely with surgical and speciality colleagues for complex cases, and we provide home-care, adult immunisation, preventive & executive health checks, and visa medicals for international patients.
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