Blood Gas Values

Blood Gas Value Arterial Venous
pH 7.35 to 7.45 7.30 to 7.40
Pco2 35 to 45 mm Hg 42 to 48 mm Hg
HCO2 22 to 28 mEq/L 24 to 30 mEq/L
PO2 80 to 100 mm Hg 35 to 45 mm Hg
O2 Sat >95% 60-80%

* Technically only the oxygen (Po2) and carbon dioxide (Pco2) pressure readings are true blood gas values. The pH indicates the balance between the bases and acids in the blood. The bicarbonate (HCO2) reading is an indirect measurment that is calculated from the pH and Pco2 levels.