Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026
Improving the Success Rate of Protein Crystallization by Random Microseed Matrix Screening
Published on: August 31, 2013
Improved Success Rate of Arterial Puncture for Blood Gas Analysis Through Standardization
Phillip R Jensen1, Boaz A Markewitz1
1University of Utah Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Respiratory, Critical Care, Occupation (Pulmonary) Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT.
Background:
Arterial puncture for blood gas analysis is a common procedure in hospitals. The aim of the study is to determine if standardizing technique elements of the arterial puncture process could improve the success rate of technicians through the full scope of an academic medical center.
Methods:
The study is conducted by the Blood Gas Laboratory at University of Utah Health's main campus. During the baseline period, technicians tallied whether arterial puncture attempts were successful or unsuccessful from December 2014 through February 2015. A small team reviewed the steps of performing arterial puncture and selected segments of the process for standardization. Starting in March 2015, staff were trained individually in the standard processes. All staff continued to tally outcomes of puncture attempts through March 2017.
Results:
During the baseline period, the puncture success rate was 83.6%. From April 2015 through March 2017 the success rate was 89.2%.
Conclusion:
Standardizing arterial puncture technique for blood gas analysis leads to fewer punctures.
Related Concept Videos
02:17Ecological Succession
01:20Gas Exchange and Transport
03:09Measuring Reaction Rates
03:02Standard Electrode Potentials
02:49Calculating Standard Free Energy Changes
02:55Temperature Dependence on Reaction Rate
Atoms, molecules, or ions must collide before they can react with each other. Atoms must be close together to form chemical bonds. This premise is the basis for a theory that explains many observations regarding chemical kinetics, including factors affecting reaction rates.
The collision theory is based on the postulates that (i) the reaction rate is proportional to the rate of reactant collisions, (ii) the reacting species collide in an orientation allowing contact between...