[Arterial puncture in Spain. A follow-up of the SEPAR 1987 guideline. Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica].

This study sought to evaluate the procedures used for measuring arterial gases in our hospitals and determine the level of compliance with the 1987 SEPAR guidelines. Questionnaires covering the obtention, transport, storage and analysis of samples, as well as familiarity with the guidelines were distributed to 150 pneumology, internal medicine, intensive care and emergency services; 78 centers responded (71% from pneumology departments). General information obtained was as follows: arterial puncture is carried out by nurses without anesthesia and using syringes for gases; the radial artery is used; with post-puncture pressure provided by the patient; the sample is analyzed within 15 minutes and cold storage is used. The department's own automatic analyzer is used. Buffered gases and solutions are used for calibration and quality control measures are rare. Some aspects of the guidelines are unfamiliar. We believe that an effort should be made to extend application of the guidelines in order to improve arterial blood gas analysis.