Improved Success Rate of Arterial Puncture for Blood Gas Analysis Through Standardization.

Abstract

Arterial puncture for blood gas analysis is a common procedure in hospitals. The aim of the study is to determine if standardizing technique elements of the arterial puncture process could improve the success rate of technicians through the full scope of an academic medical center. The study is conducted by the Blood Gas Laboratory at University of Utah Health's main campus. During the baseline period, technicians tallied whether arterial puncture attempts were successful or unsuccessful from December 2014 through February 2015. A small team reviewed the steps of performing arterial puncture and selected segments of the process for standardization. Starting in March 2015, staff were trained individually in the standard processes. All staff continued to tally outcomes of puncture attempts through March 2017. During the baseline period, the puncture success rate was 83.6%. From April 2015 through March 2017 the success rate was 89.2%. Standardizing arterial puncture technique for blood gas analysis leads to fewer punctures.