Blood Gas Analyzers

• Published in: Topics in companion animal medicine Vol. 31; no. 1; pp. 27 - 34
• Main Authors: Gonzalez, Anthony L., Waddell, Lori S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.03.2016; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: acid-base; acidosis; Acidosis, Respiratory - blood; Acidosis, Respiratory - diagnosis; Acidosis, Respiratory - veterinary; Acids; Airway management; alkalosis blood gas; Animals; arterial; Blood Gas Analysis - instrumentation; Blood Gas Analysis - methods; Blood Gas Analysis - veterinary; Calibration; Carbon dioxide; Cat Diseases - blood; Cat Diseases - diagnosis; Cats; Disease; Dog Diseases - blood; Dog Diseases - diagnosis; Dogs; Electrolytes; Gases; Metabolism; Metabolites; Point-of-Care Testing; Quality control; venous; Ventilation; Veterinary Medicine; venous; alkalosis blood gas; arterial; acid-base; acidosis
• ISSN: 1938-9736; 1946-9837; 1876-7613
• DOI: 10.1053/j.tcam.2016.05.001

Acid-base and respiratory disturbances are common in sick and hospitalized veterinary patients; therefore, blood gas analyzers have become integral diagnostic and monitoring tools. This article will discuss uses of blood gas analyzers, types of samples that can be used, sample collection methods, potential sources of error, and potential alternatives to blood gas analyzers and their limitations. It will also discuss the types of analyzers that are available, logistical considerations that should be taken into account when purchasing an analyzer, and the basic principles of how these analyzers work.