Arterial Blood Gases

ABGs, Blood Gases

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include the following:

• You have a fever or an abnormally low body temperature (hypothermia).
• You have a disease that affects how much oxygen is carried in your blood, such as severe anemia or polycythemia.
• You smoke just before the test or breathe secondhand smoke, carbon monoxide, or certain paint or varnish removers in closed or poorly ventilated areas.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: June 17, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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