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Test Code CBG Capillary Blood Gas

Important Note

POC for Pediatric/NICU patients

Ensure balanced heparin tube is filled to capacity. Underfilled or overfilled tube have an incorrect heparin to blood ratio which may affect results. 

Specimen Type

Whole blood

Preferred Collection Container

Balanced heparin capillary tube

Collection Volume

Full tube

Rejection Criteria

a. Specimens that have evidence of clotting.
b. Specimens that have air bubbles.
c. Specimens that are improperly identified.
d. Specimens that exceed the time limitations stated under sample
preparation/collection above.
e. Urine, CSF and pleural sample types.
f. Specimens collected in syringes or capillary tubes with anticoagulant other
than balanced heparin or no anticoagulant.
g. Underfilled heparinized syringes, heparinized capillary tubes and
heparinized vacutainers.

Specimen Storage and Stability

Must be tested within 3 minutes of collection

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

24hour 7days a week 

Acceptable Collection Container

Capillary tubes containing balanced heparin

  • a. Fill tube to capacity
  • b. Test within 3 minutes

Lab Department

Respiratory Therapy

Chemistry