
Arterial blood gases (ABGs) are commonly used for estimating the acid-base status, oxygenation and carbon dioxide concentration of unwell patients. However, arterial blood can be difficult to obtain due to weak pulses or patient movement. Due to thicker, muscular and innervated walls, arteries are also more painful to puncture than veins. As such, a venous blood gas (VBG) is an alternative method of estimating pH and other variables.
pH 7.35–7.45
pCO2 35–45 torr 4.5–6.0 kPa
pO2 >79 torr >10.5 kPa
CO2 23-30 mmol/L
Base excess/deficit ± 3 mEq/L ± 2 mmol/L
SO2 >94%
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