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Test Code LAB77 Blood Gases, Venous, Cord

Reporting Title

Blood Gas Venous, Cord

Methodology

Radiometer Analyzer

Performing Laboratory

OhioHealth Laboratory Services-GMC, DH, DMH,RMH, PMH and MGH Core Laboratory.

GMH, MH, HMH, PMH and OBH Respiratory Department.

 

Specimen Requirements

Proper specimen collection is imperative. Cord blood gases are extremely labile and significant changes in pH and base excess can occur within 60 seconds of delivery. To mitigate this, the current recommendation is that the cord be double-clamped immediately after delivery of the baby and the cord blood gas specimen (venous) be obtained from segment between clamps as soon as possible.

 

Draw a minimum of 0.5 mL of blood in a 1-mL heparinized syringe. Expel any air bubbles. Use gauze or tissue to absorb the excess blood.  Cap syringe and mix by rolling syringe between palms for 15 seconds. Transport to the laboratory immediately. Specimen must be received in the laboratory within 30 minutes of draw. 

Note:  Label syringe with patient’s name (first and last) and date and actual time of draw.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Refrigerate/Ambient/Frozen NO

Reference Values

pCO2:  23.3-49.2 mm Hg

pO2:  15-48 mm Hg

HCO3:  15.9-24.7 mmol/L

O2 Saturation:  none

pH:  7.24-7.49

Critical value <7.0

Base Excess -2.0; +2.0  Critical <-16.0; >+16.0

Alerting category: Always called within 1 hour 

Note:  A pH of <7.0 is indicative of cardiopulmonary compromise only if accompanied by other clinical parameters, such as an Apgar of <5.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday, continuously

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82805