Foreword

The levels of gases, electrolytes, and metabolites in circulation influence the equilibrium between oxygen delivery and tissue demand, as well as the acid‐base balance of the human body. Deviations in this equilibrium manifest in numerous diseases affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic systems. Blood gas analysis evaluates abnormalities in the degree of pulmonary gas exchange and metabolism, including the adequacy of ventilation, oxygenation, and acid-base status. The values of carbon dioxide and oxygen are expressed as the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO 2 ) and the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2 ).

The first article in this report is authored by Professor Daniel Martin OBE. Professor Martin is an Intensive Care Consultant at the Royal Free Hospital in London, U.K. He describes the critical role of blood gas testing in the management and monitoring of COVID-19 patients in intensive care settings. The second article further discusses the utility of blood gas analysis in the diagnosis and management of critically ill patients and describes measures to meet the global demand for blood gas testing.

Blood gas analysis enables healthcare professionals to evaluate patients across a range of clinical settings, allowing improved clinical decisionmaking. Over the last four decades, technological advances have translated into improvements in the performance and design of blood gas analyzers. Multiple manufacturers offer analyzers with expanded testing menus for use in clinical laboratories or at the point-of-care (PoC). Healthcare providers have a range of options available to meet their demands for accuracy, safety, and convenience. The third article in this report discusses some of the key metrics to use in selecting a blood gas analyzer for point-of-care or laboratory settings. Improved clinical informatics capabilities enable healthcare professionals to collect, store, and analyze test data in a secure environment, providing timely access to data for actionable clinical insights. This article also highlights the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding patient data and the broader informatics systems of healthcare organizations. The final article focuses on clinical guidelines and recommendations for blood gas analysis, including clinical indications and guidance for sampling, handling, and analysis of blood gas specimens.

Dr Sophie Laurenson Editor

Dr. Sophie Laurenson is a scientist and social entrepreneur. She obtained a Ph.D. in Oncology (Biophysics / Biochemistry) from the University of Cambridge in 2007 and has worked in industry and academia for 17 years. Currently, she is the Founder and Managing Director of Limeburners Bay International AG, developing medical technology for resource-limited settings.