Why is this procedure done?
When you have trouble breathing, it is important to know if air is reaching your lungs and tissues. The A-a gradient is calculated based on tests that show the amount of oxygen you are breathing in. The doctor will calculate the difference between the breathed in oxygen and the oxygen that is in your blood. It helps the doctor know if there is enough oxygen there. ‚
To get this value, the doctor will do an arterial blood gas test. This test is often called an ABG test. It is done by taking blood from an artery. The doctor will also note how much oxygen is being breathed in. This could be room air or more oxygen being given through tubes in the nose, an oxygen mask, or a breathing machine. ‚
The amount of oxygen in your blood is then compared to the amount you are breathing in. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
The doctor knows how well oxygen gets into the blood. A high A-a gradient means that breathed oxygen is not getting into the blood. Your doctor will tell you about the specific result of your test. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Do not smoke or drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) 4 to 6 hours before the tests.
- Do not exercise or do tiring activities before the tests.
- If you are on an oxygen therapy, the oxygen setting must remain steady for at least 20 minutes before the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
- The skin where the needle goes in will be cleaned with a cold liquid. Blood is drawn with a small needle attached to a syringe. It is most often taken from your wrist or elbow area. The blood sample will be drawn from your artery.
- After the needle is removed, a pressure bandage is put over the skin where the needle was put in.
- The sample will be sent to the lab for testing.
What happens after the procedure?
Pressure is put on the site for about 5 minutes to prevent bleeding. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- You should be able to do your normal activities after you get home.
- Do not do anything that makes you strain your arms for 1 day after having this blood test.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The results will help your doctor decide what kind of problem you have in your lungs. Together you can make a plan for more care.
What problems could happen?
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚