lung and airway disorders
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis and Pulse Oximetry
Introduction
Both arterial blood gas testing and pulse oximetry measure the amount of oxygen in the blood, which helps determine how well the lungs are functioning. Arterial blood gas tests are invasive, requiring a blood sample, and provide information at a specific moment in time. Pulse oximetry is not invasive. It uses a sensor attached to the person's finger. It can also provide continuous measurements of the amount of oxygen in the blood. (See also Medical History and Physical Examination for Lung Disorders .) 