Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test Cost, Procedure, Normal Range and Risk

The Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) test helps detect issues related to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and blood pH balance. It's a quick, simple procedure, and the cost varies depending on the lab and city. Understanding the normal range is crucial for accurate diagnosis. The test is generally safe, with minor risks like slight pain or bruising during sample collection.

What is the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test?

Get an affordable Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) test at Medicover Hospitals. Learn about its purpose, procedure, and how it measures oxygen carbon dioxide levels. The test also examines the balance of acids and bases in your blood, known as the pH balance.

This is also called blood gas analysis.

Alternative Names: arterial blood gas, oxygen saturation test, blood gas test, ABG

What are the uses of the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test ?

An ABG test is used to:

  • Check your acid-base balance
  • Diagnose lung and breathing problems
  • Identify kidney disorders

It also helps to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for breathing disorders, kidney disease, or other conditions affecting acid-base balance.

Why is the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) test performed?

An Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) test may be needed for several reasons:

  • If you have symptoms indicating an acid-base imbalance, such as rapid or deep breathing, nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, confusion, fatigue, or muscle cramps.
  • If you're being treated for lung diseases like asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, or conditions affecting breathing like myasthenia gravis.
  • If you've experienced carbon monoxide poisoning, inhaled harmful substances, or sustained a head or neck injury affecting breathing.
  • If you're receiving oxygen therapy in the hospital.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

How Much Does the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test Cost in India?

The normal price range for an Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) test is between Rs.1000 and Rs.2000. However, costs could differ based on the city, diagnostic facility, and whether the procedure is performed in a hospital or as part of an emergency care package.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test Price in Different Cities Across India

City Price
Hyderabad Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000
Vizag Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000
Nashik Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500
Nellore Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500
Chandanagar Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000
Srikakulam Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500
Sangamner Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500
Kurnool Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000
Kakinada Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000
Karimnagar Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500
Nizamabad Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000
Navi-Mumbai Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000
Vizianagaram Rs. 1400 to Rs. 1800

How Do I Understand My Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test Results?

Arterial blood gas (ABG) test results typically show what was measured, your result, the normal range, and if the result is normal, high, or low. Abnormal ABG results may indicate low oxygen intake, insufficient carbon dioxide removal, or an imbalance in blood pH (either too acidic or basic).

These results can help diagnose conditions, and if they are abnormal, your healthcare provider may suggest further tests, such as additional blood or imaging tests, to confirm or rule out specific diagnoses.

Normal (ABG) Arterial Blood Gas Levels

  • The normal (ABG) Arterial Blood Gas level is pH range:7.35-7.45.
  • Partial oxygen pressure (PaO2):75 to 100 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
  • Carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2):35 to 45 mmHg.
  • HCO3 (bicarbonate):22-26 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).

What Should I Do After Getting My Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test Results?

Discuss the arterial blood gas test results with your doctor, who may recommend further tests or initiate/adjust treatment based on the findings.

When is the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test Needed?

An ABG test is recommended if you show signs of acid-base imbalance, such as rapid breathing, confusion, nausea, fatigue, or muscle cramps. It's often needed for patients with chronic lung issues like COPD or infections like pneumonia.

Who Should Take the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test?

Individuals with lung diseases like asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, or those undergoing oxygen therapy should consider this test. It's also essential for patients being treated for pneumonia, carbon monoxide poisoning, or severe injuries affecting breathing.

How Should I Prepare for the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test?

Typically, no special preparation is required. However, inform your doctor about any medications or therapies you are undergoing, as they can influence the arterial blood gas test results.

What Type of Sample is Collected for the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test and How?

A small amount of blood is taken from an artery, usually from the wrist (radial artery), using a syringe. Sometimes, arteries in the arm or groin may be used if needed.

Are There Other Ways to Collect the Sample for the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test?

If direct arterial puncture is not possible, blood can occasionally be drawn from an arterial line if you already have one placed during hospital care.

How is the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test Performed?

The healthcare provider cleans the area, inserts a needle into the artery, and collects the blood sample. The sample is then analyzed to measure oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels. This test is particularly valuable for evaluating patients with COPD or pneumonia.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

calendar icon Schedule Your Appointment

How Long Does the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test Take?

The actual blood draw takes only a few minutes. However, slight pressure may be applied to the puncture site afterward to prevent bleeding.

When Will I Get My Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test Results?

Depending on how long the lab processes your data, you could expect to receive your arterial blood gas test results in 12 to 24 hours. Reports are distributed as printed copies or transmitted over WhatsApp. Our doctor will next go over your findings and, if required, recommend the next course of action.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test?

Risks are minimal but may include slight pain, bruising, bleeding, or infection at the puncture site. Many people wonder, "Is the arterial blood gas test painful?" - You might experience brief discomfort when the needle enters the artery, but it usually resolves quickly.

Is the Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test Painful?

The arterial blood gas test can be painful compared to a regular blood draw because arteries have more nerve endings. A sharp sting or deep pressure may be felt during the sample collection.

What are the Factors Affecting Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test Cost?

The cost can vary depending on the city, hospital, the urgency of test results, and additional service charges.

Other Tests


Frequently Asked Questions

Smoking, secondhand smoke inhalation, fever, or rapid breathing can all have an impact on test results.

For an adult, use a 20-gauge, 2.5-inch needle for a femoral sample and a 22-gauge, 1.25-inch needle for a radial artery puncture with an ABG syringe. A 23 gauge or a 25 gauge needle can also be utilized.

No additive in the red top tube.

The sample can be collected by inserting a catheter into an artery or by puncturing an artery using a needle and syringe.

The Radial Artery.

An arterial blood gasses (ABG) test determines the acidity (pH) and amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in artery blood.

Intermittent arterial blood gas analyses should be performed up to every 10 minutes.

A change in Fio2 may take at least 30 minutes.

ABG sampling contraindications.
Infection at the site.
Anatomy has been distorted.
Arterio-venous fistulas are present.
The leg to be sampled has the peripheral vascular disease.

To look for severe respiratory and lung disorders such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD), or obstructive sleep apnea.

Book Doctor Appointment
Book Free Appointment
Book Appointment Second Opinion WhatsApp Health Packages Find Doctors

Feeling unwell?

Request a callback!