General
abg
What does abg mean?
A sample drawn from an artery to measure oxygenation, carbon dioxide, and acid-base balance, key in respiratory and metabolic emergencies.
"Draw an ABG to see how badly he's retaining CO2."
Origin
Initialism of 'arterial blood gas.'
Frequently asked questions
What does ABG stand for?
Arterial blood gas — a blood test drawn from an artery to measure oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acid-base balance.
Why is an ABG ordered?
It shows how well a patient is oxygenating and whether they're retaining CO2, making it key in respiratory and metabolic emergencies.
How is an ABG different from a regular blood draw?
An ABG is taken from an artery rather than a vein, which allows accurate measurement of oxygen and CO2 levels.
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