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Correcting arterial blood gases for temperature: (when) is it clinically significant?
Author(s) -
Bisson Jamie,
Younker Jackie
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
nursing in critical care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.689
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1478-5153
pISSN - 1362-1017
DOI - 10.1111/j.1478-5153.2006.00177.x
Subject(s) - arterial blood , clinical practice , arterial blood gas analysis , medicine , oxygenation , blood gas analysis , intensive care medicine , intensive care , anesthesia , nursing
Abstract Interpreting arterial blood gases (ABGs) is a common practice in intensive care units. The use of the temperature correction facility, however, is not standardized, and the effects of temperature correction on the ABG result may affect the overall management of the patient. The aim of this study was to discuss the significance of temperature correction. Current practice in the UK and Australia is discussed along with a review of physiological principles of oxygenation and acid‐base balance. The alpha‐stat and pH‐stat methods of blood gas analysis are presented, with arguments for and against using the temperature correction facility for blood gas analysis. The study concludes with recommendations for practice.