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Medical information Clinical review pending

Diagnostic Testing

Blood Gas Analysis Arterial Test

The Blood Gas Analysis Arterial Test assesses your body's acid-base balance and oxygen levels. It measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in arterial blood, helping diagnose respiratory and metabolic conditions.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
2 mL of arterial blood collected in a preheparinised disposable syringe.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Sample collection must be performed by a referring doctor.
Test priceKSh 1,872

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Blood Gas Analysis Arterial Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Shortness of breath
  • ✓Confusion or altered mental state
  • ✓Severe fatigue
  • ✓Suspected respiratory failure
  • ✓Monitoring critical illness
  • ✓Diagnosis of metabolic acidosis or alkalosis
  • ✓Assessment of lung function
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Assesses acid-base balance, oxygenation status, and respiratory function. Helps diagnose and monitor respiratory and metabolic disorders.
The Blood Gas Analysis Arterial Test is a vital diagnostic tool used to assess the acid-base balance and oxygenation status of the blood. This test is essential for patients with respiratory or metabolic disorders, as it provides crucial insights into how well the lungs and kidneys are functioning. Timely diagnosis using this test can lead to better management of critical health conditions.

This test measures key parameters in arterial blood, including oxygen levels (PaO2), carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2), and blood pH. These measurements help in identifying acid-base imbalances, which can indicate various medical conditions.

Individuals who may benefit from the Blood Gas Analysis Arterial Test include those with chronic respiratory diseases like COPD or asthma, individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, confusion, or fatigue, and those with metabolic disorders affecting acid-base balance.

The Blood Gas Analysis Arterial Test offers several benefits, including quick diagnosis of respiratory and metabolic conditions, guidance for treatment decisions, and monitoring of patients in critical care settings.

Results from the test can indicate whether your body is maintaining a healthy acid-base balance. A normal pH range is typically between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations from this range may suggest underlying health issues that require further investigation.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationConfirm with the laboratory before booking. Sample collection must be performed by a referring doctor.
Sample2 mL of arterial blood collected in a preheparinised disposable syringe.
MethodologyConfirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results can be affected by factors such as sample handling, patient's oxygen therapy, and certain medications. Interpretation requires clinical correlation.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

This test measures the levels of oxygen (PaO2), carbon dioxide (PaCO2), and the pH of arterial blood.
Arterial blood reflects the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels leaving the lungs and entering the body's tissues, providing a more accurate picture than venous blood for assessing respiratory function.
A normal result typically indicates a healthy acid-base balance and adequate oxygenation. The normal pH range is usually between 7.35 and 7.45.
Abnormal results may indicate an acid-base imbalance or issues with oxygenation. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Arterial blood collection involves a needle stick into an artery, which can be uncomfortable. Your doctor will perform the procedure carefully.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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