Balanced pre-packaged heparinised syringe or capillary tube

Arterial-GASA [GASA]

Venous-GASV [GASV]

Capillary-GASC [CAB]

Mixed Venous-GASMV [GASMV]

For Capillary Blood Gases including Lactate and Electrolytes - Do not insert a flea. Send to the laboratory ASAP to prevent red cells and plasma from separating as this would lead to the sample being unsuitable for testing.

Expel air from syringe or fill capillary tube completely and cap immediately. Label with patient details, date and time of collection. 

Following collection, roll syringe between hands to mix heparin into the blood. If a delay of more than 15mins is anticipated, place sample on ice pillow.

NOTE:

Specimens to be tested in the Core Lab - If a delay of up to 15 mins in delivery is anticipated, keep specimen on an ice pillow until specimen reaches the laboratory. All specimens must be accompanied by a request form.

Immediately on collection