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🫁 Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation (6-Step)

UseSystematically read an ABG at the bedside; use the dedicated acid-base calculators for the actual numbers.

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SourceBerend K, et al. N Engl J Med 2014. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1003327

Runs locally in your browser (no PHI uploaded). For licensed clinicians — not a substitute for clinical judgement.
Stored on this device for revisit reminders

This-shift next steps

After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.

Scene next step
📋resp failureOpen scene pack →
Related scores
Matching pathway
🧭pe_dxOpen pathway →
Score + version; reference only — not a substitute for care · no HIS write

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Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
Clinical takeaway

Inappropriate compensation signals a coexisting second disorder.

When to use

Systematically read an ABG at the bedside; use the dedicated acid-base calculators for the actual numbers.

How it works

① pH → ② primary disorder (PaCO₂ vs HCO₃) → ③ compensation → ④ anion gap → ⑤ delta/delta → ⑥ oxygenation (A-a gradient).

Key points

  • Inappropriate compensation signals a coexisting second disorder.
  • With a high anion gap, check delta/delta for a mixed picture.
  • Use this site's tools for compensation, AG, delta ratio and A-a gradient.
  • Always correlate with history, electrolytes and renal function.

References

Worked calculation

The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.

ViewCompensation

→InterpretationCompensation

  • Principle：Compensation does not overcorrect and generally does not cross 7.40
  • Tools：See 'Acid-base compensation', 'Winter formula'
  • Cue：Inappropriate compensation = a coexisting second disorder
ViewSix steps

→InterpretationABG six-step method

  • ① pH：< 7.35 acidaemia, > 7.45 alkalaemia (may normalise after compensation)
  • ② Primary：See whether PaCO₂ or HCO₃ moves in the same direction as pH
  • ③ Compensation：Is compensation appropriate (see 'Acid-base compensation', 'Winter')
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the limits and cautions when using Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation (6-Step)?
For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
Does Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation (6-Step) upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
How is Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation (6-Step) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
Inputs: View Compensation → Result: Interpretation Compensation（Principle: Compensation does not overcorrect and generally does not cross 7.40, Tools: See 'Acid-base compensation', 'Winter formula', Cue: Inappropriate compensation = a coexisting second disorder） Inputs: View Six steps → Result: Interpretation ABG six-step method（① pH: < 7.35 acidaemia, > 7.45 alkalaemia (may normalise after compensation), ② Primary: See whether PaCO₂ or HCO₃ moves in the same direction as pH, ③ Compensation: Is compensation appropriate (see 'Acid-base compensation', 'Winter')）
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