Are the iStat VBG Results Worrisome?
A 39-year-old male, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 165 pounds, presents with no significant medical or surgical history. He has been on Nebivolol for several years, initially prescribed for hypertension, which is currently well-managed. Daily supplements include around 1000 units of Vitamin D3 and approximately 300 to 400 mg of magnesium citrate. Working in the healthcare field, I have access to an iStat device equipped with Chem8 and CG4+ cartridges. After experiencing some severe discomfort this morning—having faced similar episodes recently—I decided to perform tests using both cartridges. My initial thought was to simply check the Chem8 (basic metabolic panel), but since I had the blood sample, I opted for the CG4 test too. The Chem8 results were within acceptable limits, yet the findings from the CG4 analysis raised some concerns for me. Notably, I am unsure if these values should indeed be alarming, hence I've included them below for reference. To clarify, the sample was obtained from the antecubital area, collected in a lithium heparin tube, and analyzed promptly following the draw. **VBG Results:** - pH: 7.302 - PCO2: 57.2 - PO2: 30 - BEecf: 2 - HCO3: 28.5 - TCO2: 30 - SO2: 49% - Lactate: 2.1
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 5:30:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
The results from your VBG (Venous Blood Gas) analysis show some concerning values that warrant closer examination. Here's a breakdown of the key findings and their implications:
Key Points:
- pH: 7.302 (normal range: 7.35-7.45) - This indicates acidosis.
- PCO2: 57.2 mmHg (normal range: 35-45 mmHg) - This suggests respiratory acidosis due to elevated carbon dioxide.
- PO2: 30 mmHg - This is critically low and indicates severe hypoxemia (low oxygen levels).
- HCO3: 28.5 mmEq/L (normal range: 22-26 mEq/L) - This is within normal limits, indicating the kidneys have not yet compensated for the acidosis.
- SO2: 49% - Significantly low and indicates inadequate oxygen saturation.
- Lactate: 2.1 mmol/L - This is mildly elevated and could suggest tissue hypoxia.
Explanation:
Your results indicate respiratory acidosis likely caused by insufficient ventilation, leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood. The very low oxygen levels (SO2 at 49%) are particularly concerning and can result from respiratory failure or significant lung impairment, which could be acute.
Next Steps:
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Immediate Monitoring: If you have symptoms like shortness of breath, confusion, or increased discomfort, seek emergency medical assistance right away.
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Consider Your Symptoms: If these results reflect an episode of discomfort you experienced today, keep a close eye on how you're feeling over the next few hours.
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Supplement for Lung Health: Maintain your vitamin D and magnesium intake, as these are important for overall health. Consider discussing with a healthcare professional about any additional supplements beneficial for lung function.
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Follow-up Testing: Schedule a follow-up to repeat the VBG and consider additional tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or imaging of the chest, depending on your healthcare provider’s direction.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a record of any recurring symptoms, their frequency, and severity. This information will be valuable for medical evaluations.
It's important to address any perceived patterns in your symptoms or changes over time, so communicating these findings with a healthcare professional is crucial for appropriate intervention. Your well-being is the priority, and these results should be taken seriously.
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