Use of Evacuated Collection Tubes for Routine Determination of Arterial Blood Gases and pH

There is a well-recognized need for a reliable, convenient, and simple method for determining whole blood pH, PaCOaCO2, and PaOaO2. We have designed a specimen collection set that facilitates collection of the specimen and permits convenient and reliable analysis by the laboratory. Specimens are collected in newly designed "Vacutainer" tubes containing heparin and nitrogen gas. Without removing the Vacutainer stopper, the specimen may be anaerobically introduced into the analytical equipment through a unique aspirating needle. Atmospheric contamination of the specimen is eliminated.