When a blood gas specimen is left exposed to air, which change occurs in PO2?

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Enhance your knowledge with the Ciulla Clinical Chemistry Test. Study with interactive quizzes, featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations for better understanding. Prepare effectively and excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

When a blood gas specimen is left exposed to air, which change occurs in PO2?

Explanation:
Exposure of a blood gas sample to air allows oxygen to diffuse into the sample because the ambient air has a higher partial pressure of oxygen than the blood. This diffusion raises the dissolved oxygen in the sample, so the measured PO2 increases. This diffusion happens until the gas in the sample equilibrates with the surrounding air, often accompanied by CO2 diffusing out, but the key point for PO2 is the influx of O2 from air leading to an elevated reading.

Exposure of a blood gas sample to air allows oxygen to diffuse into the sample because the ambient air has a higher partial pressure of oxygen than the blood. This diffusion raises the dissolved oxygen in the sample, so the measured PO2 increases. This diffusion happens until the gas in the sample equilibrates with the surrounding air, often accompanied by CO2 diffusing out, but the key point for PO2 is the influx of O2 from air leading to an elevated reading.

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