Blood Gas, Umbilical Cord

Alternative Names/Synonyms	N/A
Laboratory	Core Laboratory & Transfusion Medicine
Sub-section	Biochemistry
Specimen Type	Blood
Test Code	Umbilical Artery: BGUA Umbilical Vein: BGUV

Clinical Significance (If applicable)

Evaluating neonatal acid-base status at the time of delivery.

Specimen Requirements (Sample Type)

Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements (Volume (mL))

65 µL

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

Heparinized Syringe Collection Containers Tube Type

Collection Requirements

Must be received by laboratory within 60 minutes of collection.

Paired umbilical artery and umbilical venous samples should be collected.
Collection Instructions

Sample Stability

Room Temperature: 60 min

Cause for Rejection

Samples will be rejected for the following reasons:
- Clotted sample
- Excessive air bubbles
- Exceeds maximum elapsed time since collection
Specimen Acceptability and Transport Guidance

Instrument, Methodology

Radiometer ABL90

Test Availability

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

STAT Turnaround Time

30 minutes

Reference Ranges

Umbilical Artery
pH: 7.04 - 7.32
pCO2: 39 - 77 mmHg
pO2: 7 - 29 mmHg
Base Excess: -11.3 - -0.8 mmol/L
Bicarbonate: 19 - 28 mmol/L
Hydronium Ion: 49 - 85 nmol/L

Umbilical Vein
pH: 7.17 - 7.40
pCO2: 33 - 59 mmHg
pO2: 16 - 45 mmHg
Base Excess: -9.1 - -0.4 mmol/L
Bicarbonate: 18 - 25 mmol/L
Hydronium Ion: 39 - 62 nmol/L

In case of discrepancies, always interpret results using reference ranges as stated on laboratory reports and/or electronic patient chart.

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4688