CAP Pro Course - Point-of-Care Testing - Blood Gas Testing

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Author: Alice Travanty, BS, MT(ASCP)
Reviewer: Alexandru Casapu, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM, PBTCM

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Explain the clinical significance of blood gas testing.
  • Discuss the collection procedures for blood gas specimens.
  • Identify factors that influence blood gas test results.
  • Maintain and monitor the blood gas testing system by demonstrating knowledge of quality control, instrument maintenance, competency requirements, and reagent handling requirements.

Course Outline

  • Explain the Clinical Significance of Blood Gas Testing
      • Clinical Significance of Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)
      • Normal Blood Gas Values
      • Blood pH and Acid Base Disorders
      • What is the normal reference level for an arterial PCO2?
      • Which of the following parameters does the blood gas analyzer calculate rather than measure directly?
      • Which of the following indicates that a patient is in respiratory acidosis?
      • A patient presents with a low PO2. Which of the following is NOT a cause of hypoxia?
      • The following arterial blood gas results suggest which acid-base disorder?TestResultArterial Reference RangepH7.507.35 - 7.45 pCO24235 - 45 mmHg[HCO3-...
  • Discuss the Collection Procedures for Blood Gas Specimens
      • Obtaining an Arterial Sample
      • Modified Allen Test
      • Obtaining a Capillary Sample by Heel Puncture
      • When should an Allen test be performed?
      • When an arterial blood gas is ordered on a patient, which of the following is the first choice for the site for an arterial puncture?
      • A laboratory technician is called to NICU to perform a capillary blood gas on an infant. Where should he draw the sample from?
      • When the laboratory technician performs an arterial blood gas, what type of anticoagulant is preferable?
      • A respiratory therapist performs a puncture on the radial artery to obtain a blood gas sample. How long should he hold pressure on the puncture site?
      • A respiratory therapist collects a blood gas sample from a patient in the intensive care unit (ICU). The blood gas analyzer is located in the blood ga...
  • Identify Factors that Influence Blood Gas Test Results
      • Effects of Preanalytical Errors in Point-of-Care Blood Gas Testing
      • A blood gas sample is drawn from a patient. The handheld analyzer is being used in another room, therefore the sample is not analyzed for 30 minutes. ...
      • A blood gas test is ordered for a patient on room air. When the respiratory therapist arrives to obtain the sample, the patient is on 40% O2. What sho...
      • When drawing a capillary sample on a baby who is breathing room air, the nurse accidentally allows air bubbles to enter the sample. How will the resul...
      • When performing an arterial puncture, the blood obtained came from a vein and not an artery. How does venous blood differ from arterial blood?
      • After drawing a capillary sample, the therapist does not mix the sample well. Which of the following would not result?
      • Which of the following is an example of preanalytical error in blood gas testing?
  • Maintain and Monitor the Blood Gas Testing System by Demonstrating Knowledge of Quality Control, Instrument Maintenance, Competency Requirements, and Reagent Handling Requirements.
      • Quality Control, Individual Quality Control Plan, and Calibration Verification
      • Proficiency Testing
      • Cleaning and Disinfecting Meters
      • Instrument Maintenance and Reagent Requirements
      • Operator Competency
      • Your laboratory has established an Individual Quality Control Plan (IQCP) for blood gas analysis. How often does this IQCP need to be monitored and re...
      • Your handheld blood gas analyzer prints out the patient results. How long do you need to keep these printouts per CAP requirements?
      • You are asked to perform a blood gas test, and you find that all the reagents are outdated. When is it acceptable to use outdated reagents to perform ...
      • The blood gas analyzer in the operating room (OR) uses electronic/built-in controls as the daily QC. An Individualized Quality Control Plan (IQCP) is ...
      • Liquid quality control (QC) is due for the blood gas handheld analyzer that is used in the operating room. Who should perform the required liquid qual...
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: This program is designed as an educational and training tool for MLS, MT, and MLT personnel, phlebotomists, medical laboratory science students and interns, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.
Author Information: Alice Travanty, BS, MT(ASCP) was the Point-of-Care Coordinator for St. Joseph Hospital, Milwaukee, Wisconsin until her recent retirement from that position. She serves as a technical consultant for Tosa Pediatrics. Alice is the author of article "Connectivity Aids Compliance" in Advance for Administrators of Laboratory Vol 20, Issue 11, page 18. She graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Medical Technology and holds a Point-of-Care Specialist certificate from AACC.
Reviewer Information: Alexandru Casapu, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM, PBTCM, has over 20 years of experience as a medical laboratory scientist, section supervisor, and laboratory manager. He is the former Director of Clinical Laboratory Technology Program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. He is currently a Program Director at MediaLab, Inc. Alex holds BS degrees in Biology and Medical Technology from Clark Atlanta University and an MBA from the University of Georgia.

This course is part of the CAP Competency Assessment Hub.

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