Blood Gas Analysis and it’s
Clinical Interpretation
Dr R.S.Gangwar
MD, PDCC, FIPM
Assistant Professor
Geriatric ICU,DGMH
Outline
1.Common Errors During ABG Sampling
2.Components of ABG
3.Discuss simple steps in analyzing ABGs
4.Calculate the anion gap
5.Calculate the delta gap
6.Differentials for specific acid-base disorders
Delayed Analysis
Consumptiom of O2 & Production of CO2
continues after blood drawn
Iced Sample maintains values for 1-2 hours
Uniced sample quickly becomes invalid within 15-
20 minutes
PaCO23-10 mmHg/hour
PaO2
pH d/t lactic acidosis generated by glycolysis
in R.B.C.
Parameter37 C (Change
every 10 min)
4 C (Change
every 10 min)
pH
0.01 0.001
PCO2
1 mm Hg 0.1 mm Hg
PO2
0.1 vol% 0.01 vol%
Temp Effect On Change of ABG Values
FEVEROR HYPOTHERMIA
1.Most ABG analyzers report data at N body temp
2.If severe hyper/hypothermia, values of pH &
PCO2 at 37 C can be significantly diff from pt’s
actual values
3.Changes in PO2 values with temp also predictable
Hansen JE, Clinics in Chest Med 10(2), 1989 227-237
If Pt.’s temp < 37C
Substract 5 mmHg Po2, 2 mmHg Pco2 and Add
0.012 pH per 1C decrease of temperature
AIR BUBBLES
:
1.PO2 150 mmHg & PCO2 0 mm Hg in air bubble(R.A.)
2.Mixing with sample, lead to PaO2& PaCO2
To avoid air bubble, sample drawn very slowly and
preferabily in glass syringe
Steady State:
Sampling should done during steady state after change in
oxygen therepy or ventilator parameter
Steady state is achieved usually within 3-10 minutes
Leucocytosis:
pH and Po2 ; and Pco2
0.1 ml of O2 consumed/dLof blood in 10
min in pts with N TLC
Marked increase in pts with very high
TLC/pltcounts –hence immchilling/analysis
essential
EXCESSIVE HEPARIN
Dilutionaleffect on results HCO
3
-
&PaCO2
Only .05 ml heperinrequired for 1 ml blood.
So syringe be emptied of heparin after flushing or only dead
space volume is sufficient or dry heperin should be used
TYPE OF SYRINGE
1.pH & PCO2 values unaffected
2.PO2 values drop more rapidly in plastic syringes (ONLY
if PO2 > 400 mm Hg)
Differences usually not of clinical significance so plastic
syringes can be and continue to be used
Risk of alteration of results with:
1.size of syringe/needle
2.volof sample
HYPERVENTILATION OR BREATH HOLDING
May lead to erroneous lab results
COMPONENTS OF THE ABG
pH: Measurement of acidity or alkalinity, based on the hydrogen
(H+). 7.35 –7.45
Pao
2 :The partial pressure oxygen that is dissolved in arterial
blood. 80-100 mm Hg.
PCO
2
: The amount of carbon dioxide dissolved in arterial blood.
35–45 mmHg
HCO
3: The calculated value of the amount of bicarbonate in the
blood. 22 –26 mmol/L
SaO
2:The arterial oxygen saturation.
>95%
pH,PaO
2,PaCO
2, Lactate and electrolytes are measured Variables
HCO
3(Measured or calculated)
Contd…
Buffer Base:
It is total quantity of buffers in blood including both
volatile(Hco
3) and nonvolatile (as Hgb,albumin,Po
4)
Base Excess/Base Deficit:
Amount of strong acid or base needed to restore
plasma pH to 7.40 at a PaCO2 of 40 mm Hg,at
37*C.
Calculated from pH, PaCO2 and HCT
Negative BE also referred to as Base Deficit
True reflection of non respiratory (metabolic) acid
base status
Normal value: -2 to +2mEq/L
CENTRAL EQUATION OF ACID -BASE
PHYSIOLOGY
Henderson Hasselbach Equation:
where [ H
+
] is related to pH by
To maintain a constant pH, PCO2/HCO3
-
ratio should be
constant
When one component of the PCO2/[HCO3
-
]ratio is altered,
the compensatory response alters the other component in the
same direction to keep the PCO2/[HCO3
-
] ratio constant
[H
+
] in nEq/L = 24 x (PCO2 / [HCO3
-
] )
[ H
+
] in nEq/L = 10
(9-pH)
Compensatory response or regulation of
pH
By 3 mechanisms:
Chemical buffers:
React instantly to compensate for the addition or
subtraction of H+ ions
CO2 elimination:
Controlled by the respiratory system
Change in pH result in change in PCO2 within minutes
HCO3
-
elimination:
Controlled by the kidneys
Change in pH result in change in HCO3-
It takes hours to days and full compensation occurs in 2-
5 days
Normal Values
Variable Normal Normal
Range(2SD)
pH 7.40 7.35 -7.45
pCO2 40 35-45
Bicarbonate 24 22-26
Anion gap 12 10-14
Albumin 4 4
Steps for ABG analysis
1.What is the pH? Acidemia or Alkalemia?
2.What is the primary disorder present?
3.Is there appropriate compensation?
4.Is the compensation acute or chronic?
5.Is there an anion gap?
6.If there is a AG check the delta gap?
7.What is the differential for the clinical processes?
Step 1:
Look at the pH: is the blood acidemicor alkalemic?
EXAMPLE :
65yo M with CKD presenting with nausea, diarrhea and
acute respiratory distress
ABG :ABG 7.23/17/235 on 50% VM
BMP Na 123/ Cl97/ HCO3 7/BUN 119/ Cr 5.1
ACIDMEIA OR ALKALEMIA ????
EXAMPLE ONE
ABG 7.23/17/235 on 50% VM
BMP Na 123/ Cl 97/ HCO3 7/BUN 119/
Cr 5.1
Answer PH = 7.23 , HCO3 7
Acidemia
Step 2: What is the primary disorder?
Whatdisorder is
present?
pH pCO2 HCO3
Respiratory
Acidosis
pH low high high
MetabolicAcidosispH low low low
Respiratory
Alkalosis
pH high low low
Metabolic AlkalosispH high high high
Contd….
Metabolic Conditions are suggested if
pH changes in the same direction as pCO2 or pH is
abnormal but pCO2 remains unchanged
Respiratory Conditions are suggested if:
pH changes in the opp direction as pCO2 or pH is abnormal
but HCO3-remains unchanged
EXAMPLE
ABG 7.23/17/235 on 50% VM
BMP Na 123/ Cl97/ HCO3 7/BUN 119/ Cr 5.
PH is low , CO2 is Low
PH and PCO2 are going in same directions then its most
likely primary metabolic
Step 3-4: Is there appropriate
compensation? Is it chronic or acute?
Respiratory Acidosis
Acute (Uncompensated): for every 10increase in pCO2 -> HCO3
increases by 1and there is a decrease of 0.08in pH
Chronic (Compensated): for every 10 increase in pCO2 -> HCO3
increases by 4 and there is a decrease of 0.03in pH
Respiratory Alkalosis
Acute (Uncompensated): for every 10 decrease in pCO2 -> HCO3
decreases by 2 and there is a increase of 0.08in PH
Chronic (Compensated): for every 10decrease in pCO2 -> HCO3
decreases by 5and there is a increase of 0.03in PH
1 4
2 5
10
Partial Compensated: Change
in pH will be between 0.03 to
0.08 for every 10 mmHg
change in PCO2
EXAMPLE
ABG 7.23/17/235 on 50% VM
BMP Na 123/ Cl 97/ HCO3 7/BUN 119/ Cr 5.
Winter’s formula : 17= 1.5 (7) +8 ±2 = 18.5(16.5 –
20.5)
So correct compensation so there is only one
disorder Primary metabolic
Step 5: Calculate the anion gap
AG used to assess acid-base status espin D/D of
met acidosis
AG & HCO
3
-
used to assess mixed acid-base
disorders
AG based on principle of electroneutrality:
Total Serum Cations= Total Serum Anions
Na + (K + Ca + Mg) = HCO3 + Cl+ (PO4 + SO4
+ Protein + Organic Acids)
Na + UC = HCO3 + Cl+ UA
Na –(HCO3 + Cl) = UA –UC
Na –(HCO3 + Cl) = AG
Normal =12 ±2
Contd…
AG corrected = AG + 2.5[4 –albumin]
If there is an anion Gap then calculate the
Delta/delta gap (step 6) to determine
additional hidden nongapmetabolic acidosis
or metabolic alkalosis
If there is no anion gap then start analyzing
for non-anion gap acidosis
EXAMPLE
Calculate Anion gap
ABG 7.23/17/235 on 50% VM
BMP Na 123/ Cl97/ HCO3 7/BUN 119/ Cr 5/ Albumin
2.
AG = Na –Cl–HCO3 (normal 12 ±2)
123 –97 –7 = 19
AG corrected = AG + 2.5[4 –albumin]
= 19 + 2.5 [4 –2]
= 19 + 5 = 24
Step 6: Calculate Delta Gap
Delta gap = (actual AG –12) + HCO3
Adjusted HCO3 should be 24 (+_ 6) {18-30}
If delta gap > 30 -> additional metabolic alkalosis
If delta gap < 18 -> additional non-gap metabolic
acidosis
If delta gap 18 –30 -> no additional metabolic
disorders
EXAMPLE : Delta Gap
ABG 7.23/17/235 on 50% VM
BMP Na 123/ Cl97/ HCO3 7/BUN 119/ Cr 5/ Albumin
4.
Delta gap = (actual AG –12) + HCO3
(19-12) +7 = 14
Delta gap < 18 -> additional non-gap
metabolic acidosis
So Metabolic acidosis anion and non anion
gap
Metobolic acidosis: Anion gap acidosis
EXAMPLE: WHY ANION GAP?
65yo M with CKD presenting with nausea, diarrhea and
acute respiratory distress
ABG :ABG 7.23/17/235 on 50% VM
BMP Na 123/ Cl97/ HCO3 7/BUN 119/ Cr 5.1
So for our patient for anion gap portion its due to
BUN of 119 UREMIA
But would still check lactic acid
Nongap metabolic acidosis
For non-gap metabolic acidosis, calculate the urine anion
gap
URINARY AG
Total Urine Cations = Total Urine Anions
Na + K + (NH4 and other UC) = Cl+ UA
(Na + K) + UC = Cl+ UA
(Na + K) –Cl = UA –UC
(Na + K) –Cl = AG
Distinguish GI from renal causes of loss of HCO3 by estimating
Urinary NH4+ .
Hence a -veUAG (av-20 meq/L) seen in GI, while +vevalue (av
+23 meq/L) seen in renal problem.
UAG= UNA+ UK–UCL
Kaehny WD. Manual of Nephrology 2000; 48-62
EXAMPLE : NON ANION GAP ACIDOSIS
65yo M with CKD presenting with nausea, diarrhea and
acute respiratory distress
ABG :ABG 7.23/17/235 on 50% VM
BMP Na 123/ Cl97/ HCO3 14
AG = 123 –97-14 = 12
Most likely due to the diarrhea
Causes ofnongapmetabolic acidosis -DURHAM
Diarrhea, ileostomy,colostomy, enteric fistulas
Ureteraldiversions or pancreatic fistulas
RTA type I or IV, early renal failure
Hyperailmentation,hydrochloric acid administration
Acetazolamide, Addison’s
Miscellaneous –post-hypocapnia, toulene, sevelamer, cholestyramineingestion
Metabolic alkalosis
Calculate the urinary chloride to differentiate saline
responsive vssaline resistant
Must be off diuretics in order to interpret urine chloride
Saline responsive UCL<25 Saline-resistant UCL >25
Vomiting If hypertensive:Cushings, Conn’s, RAS,
renal failure with alkali administartion
NG suction If not hypertensive: severe hypokalemia,
hypomagnesemia,Bartter’s, Gittelman’s,
licorice ingestion
Over-diuresis Exogenous corticosteroidadministration
Post-hypercapnia
Respiratory Alkalosis
Causes of Respiratory Alkalosis
Anxiety, pain, fever
Hypoxia, CHF
Lung disease with or without hypoxia –pulmonary embolus, reactive
airway, pneumonia
CNS diseases
Drug use –salicylates, catecholamines, progesterone
Pregnancy
Sepsis, hypotension
Hepatic encephalopathy, liver failure
Mechanical ventilation
Hypothyroidism
High altitude
Case1.
7.27/58/60 on 5L, HCO
3
-
26, anion gap is
12, albumin is 4.0
1. pH= Acidemia (pH < 7.4)
2.CO
2= Acid (CO2>40)
Opposite direction so Primary disturbance =
Respiratory Acidosis
3 &4: Compensation : Acute or chronic? ACUTE
CO
2has increased by (58-40)=18
If chronic the pH will decrease 0.05 (0.003 x 18 = 0.054)
pH would be 7.35
If acute the pH will decrease 0.14 (0.008 x 18 = 0.144)
pH would be 7.26.
Contd.
5: Anion gap –N/A
6: There is an acute respiratory acidosis, is there
a metabolic problem too?
ΔHCO
3
-
= 1 mEq/L↑/10mmHg↑pCO
2
The pCO
2is up by 18 so it is expected that the HCO
3
-
will go up by 1.8. Expected HCO
3
-
is 25.8, compared to
the actual HCO
3
-
of 26, so there is no additional
metabolic disturbance.
Dx-ACUTE RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS
Case.2
7.54/24/99 on room air, HCO
3
-
20, anion
gap is 12, albumin is 4.0.
1: pH= Alkalemia (pH > 7.4)
2.CO
2= Base (CO2<40)
pH & pCO2 change in opposite Direction So
Primary disturbance = Respiratory Alkalosis
3 &4: Compensation ? acute or chronic? ACUTE
ΔCO
2=40-24=16
If chronic the pH will increase 0.05 (0.003 x 16 = 0.048)
pH would be 7.45
If acute the pH will increase 0.13(0.008 x 16 = 0.128)
pH would be 7.53
Contd…
5:Anion gap –N/A
6: There is an acute respiratory alkalosis, is there
a metabolic problem too?
ΔHCO
3
-
= 2 mEq/L↓/10mmHg↓pCO
2
The pCO
2is down by 16so it is expected that the
HCO
3
-
will go down by 3.2. Expected HCO
3
-
is 20.8,
compared to the actual HCO
3
-
of 20, so there is no
additional metabolic disturbance.
Dx-ACUTE RESPIRATORY ALKALOSIS
Case-3
7.58/55/80 on room air, HCO
3
-
46, anion gap is
12, albumin is 4.0. Ucl -20
1: pH= Alkalemia(pH > 7.4)
2:CO
2= Acid (CO2>40)
Same direction so Primary disturbance = Metabolic
Alkalosis
3&4: Compensation:
∆ pCO
2=0.7 x ∆ HCO
3
-
The HCO
3
-
is up by 22.CO
2will increase by 0.7x22 = 15.4.
Expected CO
2is 55.4,compared to the actual CO
2of 55,
therefore there is no additional respiratory disturbance.
contd
5: No anion gap is present; and no adjustment
needs to be made for albumin. Metabolic
Alkalosis
Urinary chloride is 20 meq/l (< 25 meq/l)so
chloride responsive, have to treat with Normal
saline.
Dx-METABOLIC ALKALOSIS
Case-4
7.46/20/80 on room air, HCO
3
-
16, anion
gap = 12, albumin = 4.0
1: pH = Alkalemia (pH > 7.4)
2:CO
2= Base (CO2<40)
So Primary disturbance = Respiratory Alkalosis
3 &4: Compensation? acute or chronic? Chronic
ΔCO
2 =40-20= 20.
If chronic the pH will increase 0.06 (0.003 x 20 = 0.06)
pH would be 7.46.
If acute the pH will increase 0.16 (0.008 x 20 = 0.16) pH
would be 7.56.
Contd….
5: Anion gap –N/A
6: There is a chronic respiratory alkalosis, is there
a metabolic problem also?
Chronic: ΔHCO
3
-
= 4 mEq/L↓/10mmHg↓pCO
2
The pCO
2is down by 20 so it is expected that the
HCO
3
-
will go down by 8.Expected HCO
3
-
is 16, therefore
there is no additional metabolic disorder.
Dx-CHRONIC RESPIRATORY ALKALOSIS
Case-5
7.19/35/60 on 7L, HCO
3
-
9, anion gap = 18,
albumin = 4.0
1: pH= Acidemia (pH < 7.4)
2:CO
2= Base (CO2<40)
SoPrimary disturbance: Metabolic Acidosis
3&4: Compensation ?
∆ pCO
2=1.2 x ∆ HCO
3
-
CO
2will decrease by 1.2 (∆HCO
3
-
) 1.2 (24-9) 18. 40 –18=
22Actual CO
2is higher than expected Respiratory Acidosis
5: Anion Gap = 18 (alb normal so no correction necessary)
Contd…..
6: Delta Gap:
Delta gap = (actual AG –12) + HCO3
= (18-12) + 9
= 6 + 9 = 15 which is<18 Non-AG Met Acidosis
Dx-ANION GAP METABOLIC ACIDOSIS with NON -ANION GAP
METABOLIC ACIDOSIS with RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS
Contd….
5: Anion Gap = 12 (alb normal so no correction
necessary)
Urinary chloride is 40 meq/l (> 25 meq/l)so
chloride resistant. So treatment would be disease
specific and repletion of potassium
Dx-METABOLIC ALKALOSIS with RESPIRATORY
ACIDOSIS
Case-7
7.6/30/83 on room air, HCO
3
-
28, anion gap = 12, albumin =
4.0
1: pH = Alkalemia (pH > 7.4)
2:CO
2= Base (CO2<40)
SoPrimary Disturbance: Metabolic Alkalosis
3&4: Compensation ?
∆ pCO
2=0.7 x ∆ HCO
3
-
CO
2will increase by 0.7 (∆HCO
3
-
) 0.7 (28-24) 2.840 + 2.8 = 42.8
Actual CO
2is lower than expected Respiratory Alkalosis
Anion Gap = 12 (alb normal so no correction necessary)
See urinary chloride for further Dx.
Dx-METABOLIC ALKALOSIS with RESPIRATORY ALKALOSIS
Case-8
A 50 yo male present with suddenonset of SOB with
following ABG 7.25/46/78 on 2L, HCO
3
-
20, anion gap = 10,
albumin = 4.0
1:pH = Acidemia (pH < 7.4)
2:CO
2= Acid (CO2>40)
So Primary disturbance: Respiratory Acidosis
3 &4: If respiratory disturbance is it acute or chronic?
ACUTE
∆ CO
2= 46-40= 6
If chronic the pH will decrease 0.02 (0.003 x 6 = 0.018)
pH would be 7.38
If acute the pH will decrease 0.05 (0.008 x 6 = 0.048)
pH would be 7.35.
Contd…
Anion Gap = 10 (alb normal so no correction necessary)
6: There is an acute respiratory acidosis, is there a metabolic
problem too?
∆ HCO
3
-
= 1 mEq/L↑/10mmHg↑pCO
2
The HCO
3
-
will go up 1mEq/L for every 10mmHg the pCO
2goes up
above 40
The pCO
2is up by 6 so it is expected that the HCO
3
-
will go up by 0.6.
Expected HCO
3
-
is 24.6, compared to the actual HCO
3
-
of 20. Since the
HCO
3
-
is lower than expected Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis
(which we suspected).
Dx-RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS with NON -ANION GAP
METABOLIC ACIDOSIS
Case-9
7.15/22/75 on room air, HCO
3
-
9, anion gap = 10, albumin =
2.0
1:pH = Acidemia (pH < 7.4)
2:CO
2= Base (CO2<40)
So Primary disturbance: Metabolic Acidosis
3&4:∆ Compensation ?
pCO
2=1.2 x ∆ HCO
3
-
Expected pCO
2= 1.2 x ∆ HCO
3
-
1.2 (24 -9) 1.2 (15)
18. The expected pCO
2is 22mmHg. The actual pCO
2is
22, which is expected, so there is no concomitant
disorder.
Contd….
5: Anion Gap = 10
AGc = 10 + 2.5(4-2) = 15 Anion Gap Metabolic
Acidosis
6: Delta Gap:
Delta gap = (actual AG –12) + HCO3
= (15-12) + 9
= 3+ 9 = 12 which is<18 Non-AG Met
Acidosis
Dx-ANION GAP METABOLIC ACIDOSIS with NON -ANION
GAP METABOLIC ACIDOSIS