LAB TEST
Arterial stick
An arterial stick is the collection of blood from an artery for laboratory testing.
How the Test Is Performed
Blood is usually drawn from an artery in the wrist. It may also be drawn from an artery on the inside of the elbow, groin, or other site. If blood is drawn from the wrist, the health care provider will first check the pulse. This is to make sure blood is flowing into the hand from the main arteries in the forearm…
How to Prepare for the Test
Preparation varies with the specific test performed.
How the Test will Feel
Puncture of an artery may be more uncomfortable than puncture of a vein. This is because arteries are deeper than veins. Arteries also have thicker walls and have more nerves. When the needle is inserted, there may be some discomfort or pain. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the Test Is Performed
Blood transports oxygen, nutrients, waste products, and other materials within the body. Blood also helps control body temperature, fluids, and the balance of chemicals. Blood is made up of a fluid portion (plasma) and a cellular portion. Plasma contains substances dissolved in the fluid. The cellular portion is made…
Normal Results
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
An arterial stick is done to get blood samples from arteries. Blood samples are mainly taken to measure gases dissolved in the arterial blood. Abnormal results may point to breathing problems or problems with the body's metabolism . Sometimes arterial sticks are done to get blood culture (testing for infection) or…
Risks
There is little risk in having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include: Excessive bleeding…
References
Eiting E, Kim HT. Arterial puncture and cannulation. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 20. Smith SF, Duell DJ, Martin BC, Gonzalez L, Aebersold M. Specimen collection. In: Smith SF,…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 28/02/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.