Question:
Can anyone elaborate on the "arterial blood gas" test ?

This is being ordered with my pre-op work and I have heard it is more painful than your average blood "draw"    — eckburg6 (posted on August 30, 2006)

August 30, 2006
The arterial blood gas test is usually drawn from the inner aspect of your wrist at the radial artery. I found it more painful than regular lab draws because nerves are nearby, but it only lasts a few seconds. It is to provide your MD with your blood oxygenation level, PH, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, etc. Good Luck.
   — muffin56

August 30, 2006
It is very painful
   — mzb2u

August 30, 2006
Everything M.Jacoby said is true. The main reason they do it pre-op is to provide the doctor a base line to compare to any other blood gases they may have to do associated with your surgery. It helps them take better care of you.
   — waltman

August 30, 2006
I think the pain depends on the experience of the person taking the ABG. The technician that did mine was right on, she took her time and found the artery she wanted. I didn't find it THAT painful, I'm not saying it's totally painless --meaning it's not excruciating.
   — the7thdean

August 30, 2006
I didn't think it was bad at all - and they had to try on both wrists. They don't use a local to numb it. And the veins/arteries are very rubbery/slippery - so it's hard to get the needle in them. Make sure you do your lamaz breathing and you will get right through it. I was scared to death and it was over nothing.
   — tonjasm

August 30, 2006
It did not hirt at all when the blood was drown, but it did after. I had a bruse and thribing pain for a few hours. I am a wimp when it comes to things like that and if I did not cry, trust me it is not that bad.
   — olga8

August 30, 2006
Honestly, I didn't think it was too bad. I was also told, both in person and online, how painful it was, but in the end, I worried for nothing. Maybe the anticipation of pain made what pain there was, not as bad as expected. Good luck in the tests and your future surgery. :)
   — sue_smith

August 31, 2006
They take it from your wrist and it is more painful, but not too bad. It is to see what your oxygen saturation and other important levels are.
   — Marie W.

August 31, 2006
I heard the same thing and was so scared. Then the tech came in and was through before I even new he had started. If you have a good tech doing the draw it is not painful.
   — CAMFR

Click Here to Return