Question:
Could someone please tell me what to expect with an ABG test?

   — J. W. (posted on October 8, 2002)

October 8, 2002
If the person doing it is on the ball, it isn't too bad. They have to get blood out of an artery (ABG stands for arterial blood gas) and the arteries in your wrist are deep down. What they did with me was to inject the area with lidocaine first to get it nice and numb and then the needle for the ABG didn't hurt at all. <p> At least the one I had pre-op. When I was in the hospital right after my WLS, there was a resident that came in to do an ABG (I asked them for what and they said clotting time - WRONG ANSWER, I've been getting protime draws since January and they are with venous blood). No numbing, a good deal of pain - despite the fact that I had my PCA. She couldn't get it on the first try and she wanted to try again. I told her to get out or I was going to call security. <p> May your experience be like my first and not my last *G*...JR (open RNY 07/17 -87 lbs)
   — John Rushton

October 8, 2002
Mine was as easy as any other blood test. there was no pain. The only difference is it came out of the wrist.
   — Darlene P.

October 8, 2002
It's just like getting blood drawn except for they do it on the inside of the wrist. Mine left a bad bruise.
   — Linda A.

October 8, 2002
ABG=Arterial Blood Gas. As the others have said, it shouldn't hurt any more than other blood work. Only difference is most bloodwork takes the blood from a vein (usually inside your arm near your elbow). Blood gas is taken from an artery in your wrist just below your thumb. Mine didn't hurt; felt the same as any other needle in the arm. Not to worry.
   — Arlene S.

October 8, 2002
My mother said it would really hurt more than anything! This is one time I shouldn't have listened because it was not any different from having your blood drawn. The only difference is they take it from a main artery in your wrist (there are two of them). They need to test it right away so they usually run out right after they draw. I had a good experience because the Doctor explained everything as he went. If you are really scared of the needle they can numb it for you. Relax it will be fine!
   — Michele G.

October 8, 2002
As a person that has drawn MANY ABG's I would like to say that I have had very few people say that they don't hurt. When a patient asks me if it's going to hurt, I tell them the truth: that most people think so. If you get the lidocaine, then you have to have two needle sticks. The best thing you can do is to try and relax, it makes it much easier to draw. Make sure you tell the person drawing if you are on any blood thinners also!
   — Terri Z.