What are normal VBG results?

TABLE I: Arterial and venous blood gas reference range

Arterial Venous
pH 7.35-7.45 7.31-7.41
pCO2 (kPa) 4.7 – 6.0 5.5 – 6.8
pCO2 (mmHg) 35 -45 41 – 51
Bicarbonate (mmol/L) 22-28 23-29

How do you know if you have metabolic or respiratory?

HCO3-: Respiratory or Metabolic? After you’ve determined whether the sample is acidic or alkaline, you need to work out if it’s due to respiratory or metabolic causes. If the cause is respiratory in nature, the PaCO2 will be out of the normal range, whereas for metabolic problems the HCO3- will be abnormal.

What is normal co2 on VBG?

The amount of carbon dioxide dissolved in arterial blood. The normal range is 35 to 45 mm Hg.

What does VBG test for?

Test Indications: Useful for evaluating oxygen and carbon dioxide gas exchange; respiratory function, including hypoxia; and acid/base balance. It is also useful in assessment of asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other types of lung disease; embolism, including fat embolism; and coronary artery disease.

What does a VBG show?

A venous blood gas (VBG) is an alternative method of estimating systemic carbon dioxide and pH that does not require arterial blood sampling.

What labs show respiratory alkalosis?

A doctor can diagnose respiratory alkalosis using a blood test called an arterial blood gas test. They will take blood from an artery, and a special machine will then interpret the acid-alkaline content of the blood.

What shows up on VBG?

The venous blood gas (VBG) is a multi-component serum assessment of pH, blood gas tensions (PvO2 and PvCO2), bicarbonate (HCO3), and the base excess.

What is VBG test?

What is the value of VBG in assessing oxygenation status?

The VBG is of no value in assessing oxygenation status. 2) Assessment of hypercarbia. In patients with COPD we need to detect the presence of CO 2 retention. This has an important impact on treatment. If the pCO 2 on the VBG is above the normal arterial range (ie >45 mmHg, >6 kPa) the patient has CO 2 retention.

What is a venous blood gas (VBG)?

As such, a venous blood gas (VBG) is an alternative method of estimating pH and other variables. To learn how to interpret an ABG sample (including acid-base disturbances) click here.

What is the significance of pCO2 on the VBG?

This has an important impact on treatment. If the pCO 2 on the VBG is above the normal arterial range (ie >45 mmHg, >6 kPa) the patient has CO 2 retention. (100% sensitivity reported, so, at least in studies, it does not appear to miss any cases)

Are published reference ranges valid for interpreting patient blood gas values?

Published reference ranges used to interpret patient blood gas values have been extensively validated using arterial blood, and clinicians are familiar with these rather than reference values derived from venous blood which, in any case, are less well validated.