Blood Gas Analysis (POCT)

Overview
Department	Point of Care (POCT)
Test Code	N/A
Synonyms	BGAS, ABG, VBG
Availability	The analysers are available at both Taranaki Base and Hawera Hospital at various locations - Base ED, Theatres, ICU, NNU and Hawera ED
Turnaround Time	Results within 1 minute from sampling on the analyser
Stability – Add test	Sample must be processed within 30 minutes of collection.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen	whole blood
Preferred	1 mL in a Radiometer safePICO syringe or a full 45μL Radiometer safeCLINITUBES Capillary
Acceptable	0.5 mL in a heparinised syringe
Unacceptable	Clotted samples Haemolysed blood samples Samples with large air gaps
Minimum Volume	0.2 mL whole blood in a 1 mL syringe
Specimen Transportation	ASAP from patient collection to analyser. Delays can compromise sample integrity and provide inaccurate results
Paediatric Requirements	A full 45μL collected in a Radiometer safeCLINITUBES Capillary (short) or a full 100μL whole blood collect in Laboratory provided capillary tube (long).  0.2 mL whole blood in a 1 mL syringe
Test Information
Test Method	Radiometer ABL90 FLEX PLUS blood gas analyser
Units of Measurement	Refer to the Laboratory
Reference Intervals	Refer to the Laboratory
Uncertainty of Measurement	Refer to the Laboratory
Additional Information	Blood gas panel includes:  pH, pCO2, pO2, HCO3, Base Excess, Hb, sO2, Na, K, ICa, Cl, Anion Gap, Glucose, Lactate, Carboxyhaemoglobin and Methaemoglobin.
Comments
Quick user guides for running samples are available near the analysers. All procedures and competency checklist for sign-off are available on the intranet for all Health NZ staff. This test is covered under the current IANZ Laboratory accreditation.

Owner	Pam Chung (Pchung)
Last reviewed	02.09.2026
Next review	02.09.2027 (OK)