Which statement about handling arterial blood gas specimens is true?

• A. They can be exposed to air for transport without affecting results
• B. They should be collected without anticoagulant
• C. They should be collected anaerobically to maintain pH and gas measurements
• D. They should be stored at room temperature indefinitely

Answer: (C)

Arterial blood gas testing hinges on preserving the sample’s gas content and pH from draw to analysis. To maintain accurate pH and gas measurements, the specimen must be collected anaerobically using a heparinized syringe and kept sealed so little air interacts with the sample. Exposing the sample to air would alter O2 and CO2 levels and the pH, leading to incorrect values. Without anticoagulant, clotting can occur and affect results; storing at room temperature allows ongoing cellular metabolism and gas changes, also skewing results. Prompt analysis and appropriate cooling during transport help ensure accuracy.