How quickly must an arterial blood gas sample reach the laboratory to ensure accuracy?

To ensure the accuracy of an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample, it is critical that this specimen reaches the laboratory in less than 15 minutes. This is because ABG samples, which are used to assess respiratory and metabolic function as well as the acid-base balance of the body, are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and exposure to air.

If an ABG sample is delayed beyond 15 minutes, the blood can become anaerobic, leading to alterations in the partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as changes in pH. Such changes can significantly affect the test results and could lead to inaccurate clinical interpretations.

Demands for quick transport are not merely a guideline but are standard practice to maintain the integrity of the sample. Therefore, aiming for a transport time of 10 minutes or less is ideal to minimize any potential for degradation of the sample. Thus, squaring down to the timeframe of less than 15 minutes ensures that the sample is processed while it reflects the patient's true physiological state, providing accurate and reliable results.