Value of capillary blood gas analyses in the management of acute respiratory distress.
A comparative study of blood gases and acid-base parameters, obtained simultaneously from arterial and finger capillary samples, was performed in 45 patients in acute respiratory distress without circulatory shock. Although small and significant differences were found between the 2 sample pH, Po2, Pco2, and bicarbonate values, the correlations between the 2 were greater than or equal to 0.97 for each variable. It was concluded that although the arterial blood is the preferred sample for evaluation of blood gases and acid-base status of patients in acute respiratory distress, capillary blood appears to be a valid substitute in the management of these patients. This technique is particularly valuable in pediatric practice, where repeated arterial samples are less easily obtained.
Value of capillary blood gas analyses in the management of acute respiratory distress. A comparative study of blood gases and acid-base parameters, obtained simultaneously from arterial and finger capillary samples, was performed in 45 patients in acute respiratory distress without circulatory shock. Although small and significant differences were found between the 2 sample pH, Po2, Pco2, and bicarbonate values, the correlations between the 2 were greater than or equal to 0.97 for each variable. It was concluded that although the arterial blood is the preferred sample for evaluation of blood gases and acid-base status of patients in acute respiratory distress, capillary blood appears to be a valid substitute in the management of these patients. This technique is particularly valuable in pediatric practice, where repeated arterial samples are less easily obtained.