Question:
What exactly are they going to do to me when I have the ABG test?

I have had pulmonary function tests many times because I have asthma, but I don't know anything about what they will do to me when they do it with arterial blood gasses. Can somebody explain it thoroughly? If I just know what is going to happen, I'll be fine. It's the surprises that get me upset. Thanks in advance for your help.    — Good_Courage_Ruth (posted on May 3, 2003)

May 3, 2003
They will take a needle and put it in one of your arteries. Probably the onein your wrist near your thumb. Then they will draw blood just like when they do your labs from your veins. This shows them the amount of oxygen in your blood stream. co2 levels and etc. But that is all it is. A blood test. I don't mean to scare you but mine really hurt. some people may not have any pain but I did.
   — Delores S.

May 3, 2003
This is quite a painful test!! but well worth it when you consider what your end result is going to be.
   — smmeow

May 3, 2003
This is quite a painful test!! but well worth it when you consider what your end result is going to be.
   — smmeow