Literature review highlights clinical applications and sampling protocols for venous blood gas testing, suggesting effective alternative methods to arterial analysis.
ABSTRACT Although arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is the gold standard to assess acid–base balance and blood oxygenation, the use of venous blood gas (VBG) analysis has been increasing and gaining popularity. A review of the recent literature (2019–2025) on VBG analysis was obtained from a search of Arkansas State University’s library databases. VBGs are used to assess acid–base disturbances and evaluate metabolic function. The venous specimen for blood gas analysis may be collected by a peripheral venipuncture or a central line. The VBGs are subject to similar preanalytical issues as ABGs. The recommendation is to collect VBGs in a blood gas syringe free of air contamination and to analyze them within 30 minutes of collection. The reference intervals for VBGs have been established but must be validated by the institution wishing to use them. Mathematical models can be used to arterialize VBG values, but they must also be validated for the targeted population.
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Audrey M. Folsom (2026) studied this question.
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