Utility of blood gas values in place of biochemical values in emergency department

Abstract

It is aimed to investigate the utility of blood gas electrolyte and glucose values in place of biochemical electrolyte and glucose values in Emergency Department (ED). The group of patients, whose blood gas electrolyte, glucose and also biochemical electrolyte and glucose values were examined, These data were derived from 1007 patients at the age of 18 and older, who were admitted to Uludag University ED and whose blood gas values were examined between July 2011 and October 2011. While biochemistry K+ median was 4,2 mmol/L, blood gas K+ median was 3,86 mmol/L. When blood gas and biochemical K+ values were compared, average difference was - 0,4 mmol/L (95% confidence limits: - 1,5- 0,7 mmol/L) and correlation coefficient was r=0.794 (p< 0.001). Biochemistry Na+ median was 136 mmol/L whereas blood gas Na+ median was 138,6 mmol/L. When blood gas and biochemical Na+ values compared, average difference was 2,7 mmol/L (95% confidence limits: - 3,8- 9,2 mmol/L) and correlation coefficient was (r=0.836 p< 0,001). Biochemistry glucose median was found out as 125,5 mg/dl whereas blood gas median was 147 mg/dl. When blood gas and biochemical glucose values were compared, average difference was 17,3 mg/dl, (95% confidence limits: - 72,3- 106,9 mg/dl), correlation coefficient was (r=0,904 p< 0,001). Significantly positive correlation was determined between results. When blood gas electrolyte and glucose values compared with biochemical values, it was seen that they were consistent with each other. Blood gas values, which are rapid tests, might be used - especially in case of emergency, in treatment of critical patients - until biochemical values are obtained.