Importance of Pre-analytics in Blood Gas Testing  

In this webinar, Patricia will focus on the proper sample handling technique to minimize pre-analytical errors in blood gas testing. She will present on the variety of sample devices available, acceptable anticoagulants for blood gas analysis, and the arterial draw sites for blood collection. Special attention will be dedicated to the impact on patient test results when the blood sample is improperly handled.

Patti is a credentialed neonatal/pediatric and adult critical care specialist, with a Master of Science Degree in Respiratory Care from Rush University. She earned the Six Sigma Green Belt in project management. She recently completed a healthcare leadership program at Northwestern Kellogg University.  Patti has published and presented her work on ventilator-acquired pneumonia reduction, ventilator weaning with early mobility, multidisciplinary teams improve outcomes, open design oxygen mask use as well as several other topics. Patti is passionate about consistent, evidenced based best practices to reduce variance and improve quality, cost, and patient outcomes

Physicians, nurses, point of care coordinators, respiratory therapists, laboratory technicians/technologists, healthcare professionals

• Understand the technique for properly drawing arterial blood for blood gas analysis

• Review the pre-analytical considerations to minimize potential sources of error of patient results

• Identify suitable anticoagulants for arterial blood gas samples