I was able to observe a Capillary Blood Gas (CBG) while working with the respiratory nurse on 17/11/23. This was done using the patient’s earlobe. I was able to ask questions about why the earlobe was used and the anatomy. I have more of an understanding that the ear is used for this procedure as it is more comfortable for the patient and the gravity helps draw the blood from the ear.

The respiratory nurse bled the ear and collected the blood into a tube which then was put inside a machine. The machine then told us how much oxygen was in the patient’s blood on room air.

The patient then was asked to put on nasal specs and 2L of oxygen was delivered through the patient’s nasal cavity for 20 minutes. The same procedure was then carried out and tested. The nurse then compared the results to which we found on room air the patient wasn’t receiving enough oxygen and her o2 levels were 88% however after oxygen had been given for 20 minutes her o2 levels were 94%.

I found the procedure interesting and a good opportunity to watch and understand the anatomy behind a CBG and its different results.