If blood gases analysis cannot be analyzed within 30 minutes, why should the health care worker use an airtight container with icy water to transport the arterial specimen?
A) It decreases the loss of gases from the specimen.
B) It promotes coagulation.
C) It aids in the instrumentation phase of the testing process.
D) It increases the oxygen content in the specimen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Placing the arterial specimen in an airtight container with icy water slows down metabolic processes, including the consumption of oxygen and production of carbon dioxide by cells in the blood. This helps to preserve the original gas concentrations in the specimen until analysis.

If Blood Gases Analysis Cannot Be Analyzed Within 30 Minutes