# Mastering blood gas interpretation: A practical guide for primary care providers

## TL;DR

This guide helps primary care providers accurately interpret blood gas results to improve patient care in emergencies and hospital settings.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a systematic five-step approach for ABG interpretation, including tools for complex acid-base disorders.

## Key findings

- A five-step approach improves ABG interpretation for PCPs.
- Delta and osmolar gap calculations help identify mixed acid-base conditions.
- Venous blood samples can be used alongside arterial samples in clinical practice.

## Abstract

Accurate arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation is essential for primary care providers (PCPs), especially in emergency and inpatient settings where timely, informed decisions can significantly impact patient outcomes. This review guides PCPs from basic to advanced interpretation through a systematic five-step approach for ABG analysis, focussing on oxygenation, pH status, and metabolic and respiratory disorders. Emphasising the recognition of complex acid-base disorders that may coexist even when pH appears normal, it incorporates tools such as delta and osmolar gap calculations to address multiple concurrent metabolic disturbances and clarify the interpretation of mixed acid-base conditions. The article also briefly considers the use of arterial and venous blood samples in clinical practice.