🫁 Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation (6-Step)
A six-step arterial blood gas interpretation framework — pH, primary disorder, compensation, anion gap, delta/delta and oxygenation. Browser-side reference.
Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation (6-Step)
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When to use
Systematically read an ABG at the bedside; use the dedicated acid-base calculators for the actual numbers.
How it works
① pH → ② primary disorder (PaCO₂ vs HCO₃) → ③ compensation → ④ anion gap → ⑤ delta/delta → ⑥ oxygenation (A-a gradient).
Key points
- Inappropriate compensation signals a coexisting second disorder.
- With a high anion gap, check delta/delta for a mixed picture.
- Use this site's tools for compensation, AG, delta ratio and A-a gradient.
- Always correlate with history, electrolytes and renal function.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.