ABG Test

Hi I was just googling some of the tests I have to have done Pre op and I came across this one. It says it is Artereal Blood Gases. Has anyone had to do this test or Did I come up with the wrong thing on Google? It says they draw the blood from a port in your chest AAHHH! I am freaking out. On the orders from the doctor it says ABG's and then it says Bedside next to it. Oh I hope I am wrong I thought the scope was the worst test I was going to have to do. Help! Cheris

I looked up arterial blood gases and this is what I found on webmd.com  Most blood tests are done on a sample of blood taken from a vein, after the blood has already passed through the body's tissues where the oxygen is used up and carbon dioxide is produced. An ABG test is usually taken from the radial artery in the wrist. Arteries in the elbow (brachial) and groin (femoral) may also be used I didn't have this test and hey look on the bright side--your scope was easier than you originally thought!

Okay Jen, i think I over reacted a little bit  they take it from my wrist I can handle that. I am sure it will be like the scope and be no biggie. Thanx for your help.

It's natural to fear the unknown. I used to work myself into a tizzy worrying about the what if 's. Full blown panic attacks usually were worse than what I was worrying over. I guess this is one of those times that  not knowing may actually be better! You will be fine and know that I'm here to help you though it!

Cheris, Hi I have had about 20 of these and they take from the wrist it is where they go into top of the vien people scared the Hell out of me telling me how painful yadda yadda it was no more than a bee sting. Relax and it will be over in seconds.

I think that is just one of the tests they do when they take your blood the regular old way in the vein on the inside of your arm (at the elbow but on the inside)  dont worry just regular old blood tests...

I had all mine in the bottom of the wrist, But im sure they may do in different location but all mine were in the wrist. There not bad .

Thanx you guys sooooo much i was really worried, so can I get this done when I get all of my other labwork done or do I need to go to the hospital?

Relax, it is just a blood test and mine did not hurt any more than any other blood test. I was petrified too and when it was over agreed with the nurse that it was not too bad. It is important to be hydrated so drink plenty of water the 24 hours leading to your test because it is easier to find veins if you are hydrated - apparently - which I only found out when I had to have some tests after taking some bowel prep stuff. I was dehydrated and they took four shots to find my vein.... Jackie

Hey lady.  I am with the others on this one, they took mine out of the vein/artery right in my wrist.  I am terrified of needles so I was a bit scared but it really wasn't bad at all.  Afterwards I had a few people talk about how they felt it was painful and didn't tell me because they didn't want to scare me but it really wasn't a big deal.  I definitely agree with Jackie, make sure you drink plenty of water.  I have found that it makes a big difference when getting my blood work done if I am well hydrated.