CPT (Certified Phlebotomy Technician) Practice Exam

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How must an ABG be transported?

Air transport
In a cooler
On ice
Under heat lamps

The correct answer is: On ice

The correct way to transport an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample is on ice. This is essential for preserving the integrity of the sample until it can be analyzed. When blood is drawn for an ABG analysis, the sample needs to be tested promptly to measure components such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels accurately. The metabolic processes in the blood can alter these values, so keeping the sample cold slows down these processes and prevents changes that could lead to erroneous results. Transporting an ABG sample on ice helps maintain the physiological temperature and limits any cellular activity that could produce alterations in the gas levels. This practice ensures that the results of the analysis reflect the patient’s actual status at the time of collection. Other methods, such as using a cooler or air transport, do not adequately provide the necessary low temperatures that are critical for preserving the sample's condition. Similarly, using heat lamps would elevate the temperature of the sample, further compromising the accuracy of the results. Therefore, transporting an ABG sample on ice is the best and most scientifically-supported method.