Correlation of Central Venous and Arterial Blood Gas Measurements in Mechanically Ventilated Trauma Patients

Abstract
Our level 1 trauma center at Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, has more than 2000 trauma admissions per year, and 37% of them are to the intensive care unit.1 Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis represents the criterion standard for determining a ventilated patient’s acid-base status.2 These ABGs are obtained by arterial puncture or an indwelling arterial catheter. There are risks associated with these 2 methods, including pain, hematoma, aneurysm formation, thrombosis or embolization, and needlestick injuries to health care providers.2-4