Question:
Why do they do this test?

Well I saw all of the answers about the test and smokers...but what about people who dont smoke what do they look for and what problems are sought out from this test?    — Vicki R. (posted on August 13, 2002)

August 12, 2002
Different surgeons and anesthesiologists have different approaches....our surgeon doesn't require arterial blood gas testing unless the patient has a strong history of smoking or poor pulmonary function (asthma, sleep apnea, recent respiratory illness, etc...). Some anesthesia departments simply make it a part of routine pre-op testing for all patients. If low oxygen or carbon dioxide levels are detected in the blood, then they can appropriately address those issues when they are putting you to sleep and maintaining your anesthesia throughout the surgery. In uncomplicated patients, most anesthesia personnel are just as happy to monitor oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter, which is just a little clip that fits on your finger or ear lobe and gives a constant reading of oxygen levels in the blood....painless and simple. Someone should be able to tell you during your pre-op visits with the surgeon and anesthesia department whether or not blood gas testing will be part of your pre-op orders. Good luck!
   — Diana T.