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ABG's are the most accurate way to determine the status of your baby. They can be taken from a UAC ( if needs must a UVC will also be used but must be taken into account that it is a venous sample) an arterial stab or a peripheral arterial line. If you have none of the above then it has to be a cap gas. Frequency would depend on your babies condition and if there have been any vent changes, They can be anything from hrly to 6. if you can get your hands on the handbook of neonatal intensive care by halliday on page 68 is a good reference for your normal gases taken from the above sites. Handy as a guide. If not I could punch it up on screen for you. Thanks for the questions, it has made the old grey cells work again. Cheers. Corks
VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN
49 Articles; 5,349 Posts
How often are ABG's used with preemies--just those with umbilical catheters? Are capillary blood gases used much more frequently? What are the differences? Thanks for any help you can offer me:kiss