EnglishBlood Gases, Electrolytes and Metabolite Testing
Blood Gases, Electrolytes and Metabolites is often referred to as BGE (Blood Gases and Electrolytes) panel or BGEM panel (Blood Gases, Electrolytes and Metabolites).
Blood Gas analysis is a test performed using arterial, venous, mixed or capillary blood, where the test is used to determine the partial pressures of blood gases: pCO2 (Carbon Dioxide) and pO2 (Oxygen), pH of the blood and Bicarbonate level: HCO3-
Electrolytes and Metabolites can also be performed using arterial, venous, mixed or capillary blood where the test for Electrolytes (the minerals in the blood that carry an electrical charge) is measured to ensure and assess the Electrolytes are in balance as Electrolytes effect the amount of water in the body, blood pH, muscle action and other critical processes. The most common analytes (measured as part of the Blood Gases, Electrolytes and Metabolites) includes Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Chloride, Creatinine, Glucose and Lactate. In addition, both Hemoglobin and Hematocrit would also be included as part of the Blood Gases, Electrolytes and Metabolites panel.
Typically, Blood Gases, Electrolytes and Metabolites tests are routinely performed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where patients are being ventilated, the Emergency Department (ED) Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR), Pulmonology or the Laboratory.