Evaluation of Toenail Blood Samples for Blood Gas Analysis in the Dog

Abstract

Blood gas values were compared in blood collected from cut toenails and femoral arteries in 50 healthy crossbred dogs that were sedated and allowed to breathe room air spontaneously. Blood samples from cut toenails were collected by microcapillary technique with Natelson tubes. Femoral artery samples were collected by arterial puncture. Blood values for PO2, PCO2, pH, and HCO3 were compared. There was good correlation for pH, PCO2, and bicarbonate, but not for PO2. Microcapillary samples should be collected in 10 seconds or less for the most accurate results. A metal mixing "flea" was unnecessary. When properly handled, the Natelson tube technique provides an alternative method for collection of blood gas samples.

The effects of ice‐water storage on blood gas and acid–base measurements

“…The rate of PO 2 increase was greater in the first 15 minutes than it was thereafter (Table 3). Many studies have reported similar results 1,3,8,9 . This finding is attributable to the inevitable delay in cooling of the blood sample and to changes in the blood to plastic PO 2 gradient.…”

Interpretation of Blood Gas Measurements

“…[34][35][36][37] The venous blood is separated from arterial blood by a metabolically active tissue bed that consumes oxygen. The dorsal metatarsal or femoral/medial saphenous arteries are most commonly used; however, the brachial, radial, aural, and lingual arteries may also be accessed.…”

Effect of sample handling on venous PCO2, pH, bicarbonate, and base excess measured with a point‐of‐care analyzer

“…The samples are chilled if a delay of more than 15 minutes between collection and analysis is expected 2,6–9 . If it is not feasible or possible to obtain an arterial sample, an anaerobic venous sample may be collected for AB determination since venous and arterial blood samples are equivalent for metabolic AB determinations 5,7,10–16 …”