ABG test

[alyvonne]

Good morning. After being sent all over the place my husband has finally got his follow up test after being in hospital for a operation not related to his copd and found to be hypoxic and put on oxygen all be it 6 weeks later than was told on discharge letter. My question is can the ABG show the oxygen higher levels than the finger oxygen . My husband is hoping that will be the case. He is on 16 hour 2 lit constant and 5 lit when excising. He is having trouble with the cannula come out of his nose and sore ear at night. Has a face mask but came home with white regulator which was changed by the smart team that came out to blue and now oxygen company say should be white. Sorry for the rant but so worried as my very normally active husband is getting down which is not like him

[skischool]

Alyvonne,Unfortunately i believe the ABG test is the gold standard for determining the levels of oxygen in the blood and the requirement for supplementary O2,the finger pulse oximeter is not accurate enough however hubby will probably be reviewed after a set period of time to determine his levels,i am sure others will come on here and advise with hints and tips to make the whole experience a lot more comfortable and on living with O2.he should also try to maintain his activity levels,albeit with the aid of the supplementary o2 in order to maintain his fitness levels and wellbeing.wishing hubby and you the best of luck in the future.

Ski's and Scruffy cat.x

[alyvonne in reply to skischool]

Thank you

[stone-UK]

Hi

Aterial blood gases test measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood. It also measures your body’s acid-base (pH) level, which is normally balanced when you are healthy.

A finger pulse oximeter only measures oxygen levels, plus heart rate.

My annual oxygen review is done by a hand held oximeter with finger probe, ( Ambulitory oxygen)

So providing your oximeter is reliable it will show a accurate reading of your oxygen levels.

[alyvonne in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you stone notice you come up with useful information all the time