R.E.B.E.L.EM - By Salim Rezaie - August 10, 2020
Paper: Chauvin A et al. Reducing Pain by Using Venous Blood Gas Instead of Arterial Blood Gas (VEINART): A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial. EMJ 2020. [Epub Ahead of Print]
"Clinical Question: In non-hypoxemic patients (pulse oximetry >95% on room air), is the maximal pain during sampling less with VBG or ABG?
Author Conclusion: “Venous blood gas is less painful for patients than ABG in non-hypoxaemic patients. Venous blood gas should replace ABG in this setting.”
Clinical Take Home Point: In non-hypoxemic patients requiring acid-base evaluation:
- VBG is less painful for patients compared to ABG
- VBG is easier for the healthcare team compared to ABG
- VBG provides useful information similar to ABG for physicians in regard to treatment decisions"