How does improper cooling of an ABG sample affect the PaCO2 level?

Improper cooling of an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample can lead to a false increase in the measured PaCO2 level. When a sample is not adequately cooled, metabolic processes continue to occur within the blood, including cellular respiration, which produces additional carbon dioxide (CO2). This production of CO2 raises the concentration of CO2 in the sample, artificially inflating the PaCO2 value when it is analyzed.

Maintaining the appropriate temperature while handling blood samples is crucial to prevent these metabolic changes, which can significantly distort the results of the gas analysis. Thus, if the sample is not cooled properly before analysis, it can result in an inaccurate assessment of the patient’s respiratory status.