Are arterial and venous samples clinically equivalent for the estimation of pH, serum bicarbonate and potassium concentration in critically ill patients?
another study on VBG vs ABG, I am sure in ED we almost agreed that a lot of ABG could be replaced by VBG but still among our consultant, this is not as clear as for us. this study was published in Diabetic Medicine 2011, and their conclusion is “A venous blood sample, analysed on a blood gas machine, is sufficiently reliable to assess pH, bicarbonate and potassium concentrations in critically ill patients, suggesting that venous sampling alone is appropriate in the management of diabetic ketoacidosis.”
Link to Diabetic Medicine
PUBMED