Arterial Blood Gas Analyses in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: In the Clinical Laboratory or as Point-of-Care Testing?

Arterial blood gas analyses play an important role in the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These analyses are relevant in the diagnosis of chronic respiratory failure and in long-term, continuous oxygen therapy monitoring. Arterial blood gas measurements can be performed in a clinical laboratory or near the patient as Point-of-Care Testing (POCT). Most studies that have addressed the potential benefits of POCT blood gas analysis have considered intensive care units, emergency departments or cardiac surgery units. However, considering the importance of blood gas analysis in COPD and the growing interest in improving care for these patients, it is important to evaluate the clinical, operational and economic outcomes of POCT in Pulmonology offices compared with clinical laboratory measurements.