Preexamination (formerly preanalytical) errors are of particular concern for arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. Proper education of the collecting staff is imperative.
The ABG should be an anaerobic collection and is typically obtained from the radial or brachial artery via a syringe.
Heparin is the only anticoagulant that doesn't alter the blood pH and should be in lyophilized form. Liquid heparin would dilute the sample.
The sample should be analyzed within thirty minutes.
