General Information About the Test
Test Process and Preparation
It is usually taken from the artery on the inside of the wrist (radial artery) or sometimes from the groin artery. Because arteries are deep and have pressure, a brief, slight stinging sensation may be felt compared to a standard blood draw.
It shows how well the lungs are performing their task of supplying oxygen to the blood and clearing toxic carbon dioxide from the blood. It also provides information about the kidneys' capacity to maintain the blood's acid balance.
Because the pressure in the arteries is high, it is mandatory to apply very firm pressure to the blood draw site with cotton for at least 5-10 minutes to prevent bleeding or bruising.
The information on this page is for informational purposes only. The results of medical tests must be evaluated by specialist physicians.
