General
Synonym/Acronym:
Alveolar-arterial difference, A/a gradient, a/A ratio.
Common Use:
To assist in assessing oxygen delivery and diagnosing causes of hypoxemia such as pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and pulmonary fibrosis.
Specimen:
Arterial blood (1 mL) collected in a heparinized syringe. Specimen should be transported tightly capped and in an ice slurry.
Normal Findings:
(Method: Selective electrodes that measure Po2 and Pco2)
| Alveolar/arterial gradient | Less than 10 mm Hg at rest (room air) |
| 20–30 mm Hg at maximum exercise activity (room air) |
| Arterial/alveolar oxygen ratio | Greater than 0.75 (75%) |
Alveolar/Arterial Gradient and Arterial/Alveolar Oxygen Ratio has been found in Davis's Lab & Diagnostic Tests
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