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Arterial stick
Blood sample - arterial
An arterial stick is the collection of blood from an artery for laboratory testing.
How the Test is Performed
Blood is usually drawn from an artery in the wrist. It may also be drawn from an artery on the inside of the elbow, groin, or other site. If blood is drawn from the wrist, the health care provider will usually first check the pulse. This is to make sure blood is flowing into the hand from the main arteries in the forearm (radial and ulnar arteries).
The procedure is done as follows:
- The area is cleaned with antiseptic.
- A needle is inserted. A small amount of anesthetic may be injected or applied before the needle is inserted.
- Blood flows into a special collecting syringe.
- The needle is removed after enough blood is collected.
- Pressure is applied to the puncture site for 5 to 10 minutes to stop the bleeding. The site will be checked during this time to make sure the bleeding stops.
If it is easier to get blood from one location or side of your body, let the person who is drawing your blood know it before starting the test.
How to Prepare for the Test
Preparation varies with the specific test performed.
How the Test will Feel
Puncture of an artery may be more uncomfortable than puncture of a vein. This is because arteries are deeper than veins. Arteries also have thicker walls and have more nerves.
When the needle is inserted, there may be some discomfort or pain. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the Test is Performed
Blood transports oxygen, nutrients, waste products, and other materials within the body. Blood also helps control body temperature, fluids, and the balance of chemicals.
Blood is made up of a fluid portion (plasma) and a cellular portion. Plasma contains substances dissolved in the fluid. The cellular portion is made up mainly of red blood cells, but it also includes white blood cells and platelets .
Platelets
A platelet count is a lab test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets are parts of the blood that help the blood clot. The...
Because blood has many functions, tests on the blood or its components may give valuable clues to help providers diagnose many medical conditions.
Blood in the arteries (arterial blood) differs from blood in the veins (venous blood) mainly in its content of dissolved gases . Testing arterial blood shows the makeup of the blood before any of its contents are used by the body tissues.
Dissolved gases
Blood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.
Normal Results
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
An arterial stick is done to get blood samples from arteries. Blood samples are mainly taken to measure gases in the arteries. Abnormal results may point to breathing problems or problems with the body's metabolism . Sometimes arterial sticks are done to get blood culture or blood chemistry samples.
Breathing problems
Breathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathingUncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough air
Metabolism
Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy, such as:BreathingCirculating bloodControlling bo...
Blood culture
A blood culture is a laboratory test to check for bacteria or other germs in a blood sample.
Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another. They can also vary from one side of the body to the other. Getting a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
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Bruising
Bruising
A bruise is an area of skin discoloration. A bruise occurs when small blood vessels break and leak their contents into the soft tissue beneath the s...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
There is a slight risk of damage to nearby tissues when the blood is drawn. Blood can be taken from lower-risk sites, and techniques can be used to limit tissue damage.
References
Kim HT. Arterial puncture and cannulation. In: Roberts JR, ed. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 20.
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Arterial blood sample - illustration
The pulse of an artery determines the location of an arterial stick. The primary reason for taking blood from an artery rather than a vein is to measure blood gases. Because arterial blood is oxygenated blood flowing directly from the heart, analysis of arterial blood can determine the chemistry of the blood before it is used by the tissues.
Arterial blood sample
illustration
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Arterial blood sample - illustration
The pulse of an artery determines the location of an arterial stick. The primary reason for taking blood from an artery rather than a vein is to measure blood gases. Because arterial blood is oxygenated blood flowing directly from the heart, analysis of arterial blood can determine the chemistry of the blood before it is used by the tissues.
Arterial blood sample
illustration
Review Date: 1/31/2015
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
