What diagnostic test is utilized to assess arterial blood gases (ABGs)?

The diagnostic test utilized to assess arterial blood gases (ABGs) is arterial blood analysis. This test involves drawing blood directly from an artery, typically the radial or femoral artery, to measure levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and the pH of the blood. These parameters are crucial for evaluating a patient’s respiratory function, acid-base balance, and metabolic status.

Arterial blood analysis provides specific insights into how well oxygen is being delivered to the tissues and how effectively carbon dioxide is being removed from the body, making it essential for diagnosing conditions such as respiratory failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders.

In contrast, other options like venous blood analysis do not provide a reliable picture of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, as they reflect the state of blood after it has passed through the tissues rather than before. Sputum culture is primarily used for microbiological diagnosis of respiratory infections, while a chest X-ray is a radiological tool used to visualize the lungs and surrounding structures, rather than providing direct information regarding gas exchange. Therefore, arterial blood analysis is the appropriate choice for assessing ABGs.