If you are showing the signs of an oxygen, carbon dioxide, or pH imbalance, your doctor can run a blood gas analysis.A small blood sample is used to measure the levels of these substances.Your doctor can figure out how your lungs move oxygen into your blood and remove carbon dioxide from your body from these numbers.It can show certain medical conditions, such as heart failure or drug overdose.You can get an idea about the test results from your doctor.You can read your test results if you review them closely and consider other data.
Step 1: Take the results to your doctor.
Talking to your doctor is the best way to interpret your blood results.They understand the information better than anyone else.It's a good idea to make an assessment on your own.Ask your doctor if you have questions about individual or total levels.If you want your doctor to explain what your specific results mean, have them go through each series of numbers individually.If you want to judge where you are physically, ask your doctor to compare your previous results with the new ones.
Step 2: Take a look at the number.
The number of hydrogen ion in your blood is a good indicator of conditions such as COPD, asthma, pregnant women, diabetes, lung disease, or drug use.The normal range is between 7.35 and 7.45.If the pH level is below 7.38 you may have more acidic blood from conditions such as airway obstruction, COPD, asthma, sleep disordered breathing, or neuromuscular impairment.If the pH level is over 7.45 you may have a alkalosis, which indicates stimulation of the central nervous system, lung disease, severe anemia, drug use, or pregnancy.
Step 3: Check HCO3 numbers.
Your organs help maintain a normal pH.The normal level for bicarbonate is 22 to 26 mEq/L.Your bicarbonate levels can be disrupted by conditions such as respiratory failure.The HCO3 level is indicative of acidosis.It is possible that it is the result of conditions such asLiver failure andKidney disease.The HCO3 level above 26 mEq/L is indicative of alkalosis.It is possible that this is the result of dehydration, vomiting, and eating disorders.
Step 4: The PaCO2 number is examined.
PaCO2 is a measure of the carbon dioxide in your blood.The normal level for PaCO2 is between 38 and 45mmHg.If the levels are disrupted, it may mean shock, or chronic vomiting.If the PaCO2 number is less than 35mmHg, there is respiratory alkalosis.There isn't enough carbon dioxide in the blood.It can signal a lot of things.If the PaCO2 number is over 45mmHg, there is respiratory acidosis.There is too much carbon dioxide in the blood.This can be a sign of chronic vomiting.
Step 5: The PaO2 number should be inspected.
PaO2 is a measure of the amount of oxygen in your blood.The normal level is 75 to 100mmHg.It is possible for higher or lower levels to indicate certain conditions.
Step 6: Notice how much oxygen is in the air.
Oxygen saturation is how well your red blood cells are carrying oxygen.The normal levels are between 94 and 100%.Anemia Asthma Congenital heart defects or COPD Strained abdominal muscles are some of the conditions that may indicate a lower saturation rate.
Step 7: Take a picture of medications or drugs.
The results of your blood gas test can be affected by a number of things.If you are taking any of the following drugs, know that they may affect your blood gas results.
Step 8: Understand your location.
Your blood gas results can be affected by the amount of oxygen in the air.You should include this in your test if you live at altitudes of 3000 feet or higher.Ask your doctor to correlate your partial pressure of oxygen with your location or factor that a healthy level of saturation is between 10,000 and 15,000 feet.People going to mountainous areas are more likely to have respiratory alkalosis.When ascent is too rapid, there isn't enough time to get used to it.
Step 9: Current medical conditions should be acknowledged.
Blood gas results can be affected by a variety of medical conditions.As you discuss your test with your doctor, consider these.There are a number of conditions that can affect normal blood gas levels.
Step 10: Take earlier tests.
If you have had previous blood gas tests, make sure to review them.If there are discrepancies that indicate a new condition or improvement of another, this can give you an idea.Discuss the results with your doctor.