Abstract

Arterial puncture for blood gas sampling � a new training method

Author(s): Daniel Yu Hin Ng, Arthur Wong

Arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling is a common clinical procedure performed in a variety of clinical situations by junior doctors. However, in undergraduate curriculum and clinical attachments, students do not routinely undertake formal assessment in ABG sampling techniques, nor do they routinely practice this skill on real patients. Many new doctors feel that they have not been trained adequately to carry out this procedure confidently and reliably [1]. In contrast to venous sampling, arterial sampling is a more invasive and painful procedure. Poor technique in ABG sampling often contributes to unpleasant patient experience and leads to stress among doctors, especially in emergency situations where ABGs are important in guiding management. It is therefore important that doctors are effective in carrying out this clinical skill and that training methods are established to educate doctors in the safe and competent techniques of ABG sampling.