Arterial blood gas analysis

An arterial blood gas (ABG) test measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood. It also measures your body’s acid-base (pH) level, which is normally balanced when you are healthy.

You may get this test if you are in the hospital because you have a serious injury or illness.

The test gives your doctor clues about how well your lungs, heart, and kidneysare working. You’ll probably get other tests along with it, too.

Every cell in your body needs oxygen to live. When you inhale and exhale, your lungs move oxygen into your blood and push carbon dioxide out. That process, called gas exchange, gives energy to the body and expels waste.

But if you have a hard time breathing or an illness that affects your lungs, your doctor may use an arterial blood gas (ABG) test to help check on what’s happening with your lungs and other organs.