[Quality assurance of blood gas analysis--a medical risk zone]

Blood gas analysis is fundamental to all intensive care. Although speed is essential for adequate treatment, prognosis and even survival of the patient, precision and consistency of results are equally important prerequisites for correct clinical decision making. Point-of-care testing (POCT) has become one of the predominant fields of blood gas analysis. Although modern technology and instruments are user friendly, special training and continuous updating of staff education are of paramount importance to the reliability of results. The article consists in an outline of quality requirements and discussion of appropriate procedures for assessing and maintaining quality in blood gas analysis.