Shows how well your lungs are getting rid of carbon dioxide. Normal Range: 35 – 45 mmHg HCO3 (Bicarbonate): Shows how well your kidneys are balancing acid/base. Normal Range: 22 – 26 mEq/L (sometimes up to 28) PaO2 (Partial Pressure of Oxygen): Measures the pressure of oxygen dissolved in the blood. Normal Range: 75 – 100 mmHg SaO2 (Oxygen Saturation): The percentage of hemoglobin carrying oxygen. Normal Range: 95% – 100% National Institutes of Health (.gov) Basic Interpretation Steps Check the pH: If it is below 7.35, it's ; above 7.45, it's Determine the Cause: is abnormal, the cause is likely respiratory is abnormal, the cause is likely Check Oxygenation: below 80 mmHg usually indicates (low blood oxygen). PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov)
An ABG test is performed to: