Utilization of Arterial Blood Gas Measurements in a Tertiary Care Hospital

The arterial blood gas (ABG) is a frequently ordered laboratory test. Laboratory tests should be ordered to make accurate diagnoses, change management, monitor the response to management [1,2]. The continued frequency of ABG valuation may be influenced by routine work-patterns and easy access via arterial lines [3]. Many laboratory analysis including ABG are repeated too early [4]. Inappropriate utilization and blood collection not only escalate cost but may also create unnecessary patient discomfort and complications [5]. Ancillary expenditures in the intensive care setting can be decreased without compromising care of the patient [6]. Implementation of practice guidelines for blood gas measurement has been shown to decrease test utilization without affecting outcome [7].