Effects of temperature and time delay on arterial blood gas and electrolyte measurements.

Objective: To determine the changes in pH, PaO2, PaCO2 and Na, K, Cl in arterial blood samples stored at room temperature or on ice, at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes.

Material And Method: Arterial blood samples were collected in heparinized capillary tubes and stored at room temperature (24-26 degrees C) and on ice (0-4 degrees C). ABG and electrolytes were measured at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minute intervals.