A blood sample is taken from an infant's capillaries as part of a diagnostic procedure called a capillary blood gas (CBG).

In order to determine how effectively the baby is breathing, it is used to evaluate the pH and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

In this article, we'll go over capillary blood gas collection in general and explain how to analyse the findings.

What is a Capillary Blood Gas?

An infant's capillaries are pricked, and blood is drawn to perform a capillary blood gas (CBG) test. Through the measurement of the blood's pH and carbon dioxide levels, this test examines the neonate's ventilatory condition.

How is a Capillary Blood Gas Performed?

By puncturing the neonate's skin with a tiny needle and removing a drop of blood from the resultant capillary, a capillary blood gas test is carried out.

The best place to puncture a person to obtain capillary blood is on the side of the heel. There are alternative locations that can be used if the heel cannot be reached.

Additional Puncture Sites

The following potential puncture locations that could be utilised to get a sample of capillary blood are:

Thumbnail Big toe Earlobe

Only if a lateral heel puncture attempt fails would these sites be suggested. In babies, the heel is the best place to inject because of how vascularized it is.

Procedure for Capillary Blood Gas

The process of taking a capillary blood gas sample involves the following steps:

• Verify and validate the doctor's prescription.
• Obtain all essential tools and materials.
• Put on gloves and any other required personal protective equipment after washing your hands (PPE).
• Decide where to puncture (e.g., heel).
• By applying a compress or commercial hot pack for at least 10 minutes, warm the heel to 42°C.
• Utilize an antiseptic solution to clean the heel.
• To puncture the heel (around 2.5 mm), use a lancet.
• Check for free flow after wiping away the first drop of blood. The puncture does not need to be squeezed or milked.
• Blood from the puncture site should be added to the collection tube before the end is sealed.
• With a bandage or piece of tape, cover the puncture site with sterile gauze.
• Using a magnet, combine the sample.
• Place the sample on ice for a delayed analysis or analyse it right away.
• In the patient's medical file, note the procedure and results.
• The doctor will assess the findings after the sample has been tested to decide on the best course of treatment.