Blood contains several gases, most importantly **oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂)***. These gases play crucial roles in respiration and maintaining the body's acid-base balance. The levels of these gases are routinely measured through blood gas analysis, which helps diagnose respiratory and metabolic problems.
Key Gases in Blood:
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Oxygen (O₂): Oxygen is carried throughout the body by red blood cells, bound to hemoglobin. It's essential for cellular respiration, providing the energy needed for bodily functions. As stated in multiple sources, like the Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22409-arterial-blood-gas-abg) and Mount Sinai (https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/blood-gases), oxygen levels are a key component of blood gas analysis. Low oxygen levels can indicate respiratory issues.
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Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Carbon dioxide is a waste product of cellular respiration. It's transported in the blood to the lungs for exhalation. Elevated CO₂ levels can signify problems with breathing or metabolism, as noted by NCBI Bookshelf (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK371/).
Blood Gas Analysis:
Blood gas analysis measures the partial pressures of oxygen (pO₂) and carbon dioxide (pCO₂), along with blood pH (acidity). These measurements provide valuable insights into respiratory function and acid-base balance. Sources such as MedlinePlus (https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/arterial-blood-gas-abg-test/) highlight the diagnostic uses of this test. While arterial blood is typically used, venous blood can sometimes provide useful information, as mentioned in a PubMed article (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31920407/).
While other gases might be present in trace amounts, oxygen and carbon dioxide are the primary gases found in blood and are essential for life.
