*#quickfact* 🩸⚠️ Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) samples must be analyzed immediately after collection! ⏱️ A delay of more than 30 minutes may result in: 🔻 Falsely decreased pH and oxygen (O₂) 🔺 Falsely increased carbon dioxide (CO₂) 🌬️ Also, if the sample is exposed to air: 🔺 O₂ and pH may appear falsely elevated 🔻 CO₂ may appear falsely decreased 📌 Proper sample handling = Accurate results ✨ #medicallaboratory #abg #bloodgasanalysis #labtips