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Test Code VBG POC Venous Blood Gas

Important Note

POC for Acute Care Patients Only.

Ensure lithium heparin tube is filled to the fill line. Underfilled or overfilled tubes have an incorrect heparin to blood ratio which may affect results. 

Specimen Type

Whole blood

Preferred Collection Container

Lithium Heparin

Collection Volume

Full tube (tube size may vary)

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 10 minutes of collection

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

24hour 7days a week 

Acceptable Collection Container

1. Syringe without anticoagulant (plain)

  • a. Test within 3 minutes of collection
  • b. Remove air bubbles

2. Syringe with balanced heparin or lithium heparin

  • a. Must be filled to capacity
  • b. Test within 10 minutes of collection
  • c. Remove air bubbles

3. Evacuated tube with lithium heparin anticoagulant

  • a. Must be filled to capacity
  • b. Test within 10 minutes

Lab Department

Respiratory Therapy

Chemistry