-A process by which blood is obtained from a

patient’s artery.

- Arterial blood is the oxygenated blood with a

bright red color

-Use: for blood gas analysis and pH measurement

Sites:

 Radial 23-25 gauge

 Brachial 18-20 gauge

 Femoral 18-20 gauge

 scalp

 Umbilical

Note: blood samples are collected without a tourniquet

Note: before collection from radial artery, modified

Allen test should be done 

Major Complications:

 Thrombosis

 Hemorrhage

 Emboli

 Possible infection

Unacceptable sites:

o Irritated

o Edematous

o Near a wound

o AV shunt (arterioventricular) or fistula