Definition

Arterial Blood Gas analysis—a test that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in arterial blood to determine if your lungs are doing their job or just freeloading. Think of it as a report card for respiratory function.

Example Usage

The patient's ABG showed severe acidosis, so we knew the lungs weren't compensating for the metabolic disaster happening inside.

Origin

Medical abbreviation from the 1950s when blood gas analyzers became clinically available

Fun Fact

ABG samples must be kept on ice and analyzed within 30 minutes, making them the diva of laboratory specimens.

Source: Common medical laboratory terminology

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